St Johns and Elisabeth maternity hospital: views pleas

[conni]

Have any of you given birth there or are planning to? especially, a natural birth?

Ds was born there in March 2004. Mine was an elective section (breech) but it was a great experience, the team made me feel really relaxed and I got to hold my baby immediately afterwards. Post-natal care was out of this world, the midwives were very good at helping me with breastfeeding, insisting on skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible. The most luxurious moment was on my third day when they filled the birthing pool with water, dimmed the lights, and left me, dh and our new baby to have a family bath - bliss. They treated ds with homeopathic remedies to help wind him. I am now pregnant with baby no 2 and would love to go back, but with risk of complications (blood clots) have to stay at my local NHS hospital. Totally recommend it.

I had both my children there. Ds in 2002 and DD in 2004. Both times I was in labour for a long time and ended up having c-sections. Having said that they were fantastic. The midwives are very caring and friendly so much so that I still feel comfortable to call them for a chat now. Because it is a small unit you generally get to meet most of the midwives before you give birth so it nice when you are in labour to see a familiar face. In fact I had the same midwife both times which was lovely. They really try to give you a natural birth, I had homeopathy, aromatherapy, accupuncture and massage durung labour but it wasn't to be. Having said that I had positive c-sections like Kitegirl. The other plus is that partners can stay and are not made to feel in the way at all. I don't know if you have visited the unit but if not you should call them and go for a visit. It is very informal and friendly.

I'm booked in to have my first baby there - due 30th May. Antenatal care has been fantastic so far.

Before booking in to St John & St Elizabeth I had my 20 week check at the Royal Free in Hampstead which was awful - MW couldn't answer any of my questions 'cos she didn't understand what I was saying (her English was very very basic), she made a real mess of my arm in taking blood and ended up spraying blood all over my notes & herself... She gave me a leaflet on preeclampsia with the words 'Thees you will get in your pregnancy, eet very serious, you will probably die maybe.'. Which would have really scared me if I didn't know that seeing as my BP is low, chances are I'm not dying of pre-eclampsia just now...

So I did a quick financial health-check and booked into John & Lizzies in a panic. It's been very different - really friendly and caring. Shame that you have to go private though, isn't it? Everyone should get a good standard of care really.

becster - did you complain to the hosp about that MW?

I did, but haven't had a response as yet. Have to admit I don't blame the MW herself as much as I blame the government - it's not her fault that she's been shipped in to deal with our health service shortages... (All my family work in the NHS so I could go on about this ad infinitum!) A couple of MWs I spoke to at J&Ls said that they regretted having to leave the NHS, but that they just couldn't stand not being able to provide good quality care any more 'cos of the shortages.

Thanks for all this. Just found out that they are fully booked unfortunately, so I have to look into something else.

Have you tried the Lindo wing at St Marys? Or what about the Edgware Birth Centre.

Thanks, I am going to tour the Edgware Birthing Centre tonight, it is quite far from where I live, have you got any (personal) experience of Edgware birthing centre or Lindo Wing of St Mary's (I had never heard of this - so will follow that up as well)

I know someone who went to the Edgware Birth Centre and had a good birth - she was actually a midwife from John & Lizzies. The Lindo wing at St Marys is supposed to have very good midwives and consultants but the rooms are not as nice as John & Lizzies.

Have you ruled out The Portland? They have their midwife led care and there are a few consultants who are pro natural. I had this consultant both times at John & Lizzies but he only does The Portland now The Birth Company and I think the odd home birth.

Personally I'm anti St.John & Elizabeths. I was booked in there to have my DS 2 yrs ago - they were fantastic, and it is a great service etc. Went for my 20 week scan at St.J & E, and they discovered that DS had v.serious heart condition. I was transfered SO fast to NHS (Guys) - St.J & E can't cope with any sort of crisis or problems. They were fantastic in that they spotted the heart problem, and it could easily have been missed - and they were very helpful in transfering us, and making sure we went to the right hospital and consultant. BUT if I had had DS there, he would almost certainly have died - as they do not have the facilities to cope with an emergency. It made me realise how great NHS is in cases such as this! I wouldn't choose to have another baby there now. NHS all the way!

I had my baby with the Portland Midwife Led Delivery team, and they are very pro-natural birth. On the MLD you also get first option of the room with the pool. I actually went longer without any pain relief because I knew I could have it the instant I asked for it. Very nice rooms too, and your partner can stay with you.

They do an all inclusive package, but be aware of the extra costs if you do need any emergency treatment (although this may be the case with most private hospitals?)

Thanks for all the comments. Unfortunately I have only just found out that I am at risk of PPM and hence need full medical back up, but hopefully this information is helpful for somebody else who is planning a natural birth.