Private maternity in London - how much does it cost???

[Elizad]

Hi
Can someone let me know costs all in for Elective CS at LINDO, PORTLAND and CHELSEA? I know it wont be exact but to get a rough idea would be so fab...each website itemises most things but there is so much I have no clue about ( bloods, scans, consultant fees)

Thanks

[PeaceAndHope]

See this -

www.fpnotebook.com/OB/LD/FrcpsAstdDlvry.htm

Kiellands forceps or high forceps are no longer used in most parts of the world. Simpsons and Andersons forceps are rarely used, because CS is preferred.

Outlet or Wriggleys forceps can still be used because by that time it may be too late for a section.

My obstetrician has always maintained that the riskiest way for a baby to be born is by means of a forceps delivery. Outlet forceps are not always bad (by that time it is too late for a CS anyway), but she has always told me that as a doctor she herself would never agree to mid or high forceps. These include the dreaded Kiellands forceps of course, but also the Neville Barnes, Anderson's and Simpson's forceps.

www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/ajp/doi/10.1055/s-2003-42775
(states that forceps are known to cause brachial plexus nerve damage)

journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/1984/06000/Birth_Trauma__Incidence_and_Predisposing_Factors.7.aspx
(Logistic regression analysis of fetal, maternal, and intrapartum complications in labor and delivery revealed that midforceps, shoulder dystocia, low forceps, infants greater than 3500 g, and second stage labor exceeding 60 minutes were the predominant events associated with fetal injury)

journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/1990/01000/facial_nerve_palsy_in_the_newborn__incidence_and.1.aspx
(states that facial nerve palsy is most common in macrosomic infants or those born with the aid of forceps)

facm.unjbg.edu.pe/revistaspediatria/Clinical%20Pediatrics/2004/Pediatric%20Clinic_51_June2004_%20the%20Newborn%20Nursery%20Part%20II/Management%20of%20birth%20injuries.pdf

^ Fabulous article about birth injuries. From what I could make out majority of the birth injuries had forceps listed as the major risk factor, other than of course fetal birth weight of more than 3500g.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0029784496001512
(lists forceps as a major risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse)

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937803005726
(there is an increased risk of anal sphincter damage and hence incontinence with a forceps delivery)

www.bmj.com/content/308/6933/887.abstract
(lists forceps as one of the major risk factors for third degree tears)

[PeaceAndHope]

Larry:

Meant to add that if you have comments on my posts, please send me a private message. We have hijacked this thread enough.


I'm sorry OP!

[Justfeckingdoit]

Peace, so sorry that those close to you have had such horrible experiences, I now see why you are so (rightly) determined to avoid this.

But...writing off a whole profession is a little harsh. Simply reading the lovely midwifes posts hopefully makes you see that there are some (and from my own experience, many) midwives who are wonderful, committed people who care deeply and expertly for the women in their care.

If it helps, I gave birth via EMCS in a very busy London hospital and had midwives that ranged from amazing to pretty rubbish, but I'd never write off the profession because of it.

Ditto with vets, consultants and GPs.

I hope you get the birth you want :)

[Justfeckingdoit]

I am not of course comparing midwives with vets, but I know what I meant!

7 years of training, you pay through the nose, and there are good and bad ones, as in all walks of life.

[PeaceAndHope]

Justfecking:

Thank you:)

But my preference for OBs has little to do with the experiences of my near and dear ones, as OBs also had a part to play in their misfortune.

I'm not writing off midwives. I think they're great for those who want them in the first place. I'm just not one of them!

[Justfeckingdoit]

peace I'm glad that you have the choice, and good luck :)

[PeaceAndHope]

Midwivesdeliver:

Thanks for the kind words about my niece. This happened after I had had my first child, so I can't blame preferences entirely on my sister's experience. I had decided against their use based on my own research. I think they had their place several years ago, as you explained rather well. But now, with the availability of CS (which is becoming progressively safer than it used to be) I think we need to keep the use of Kiellands and mid forceps to a bare minimum. Outlet forceps are often unavoidable, but they can sometimes be substituted with ventouse.

[Elizad]

Wow all this for just asking what it costs to have a baby privately!!! I'm chuffed to have sparked such a debate.
My first son was Nhs and we had a range of care from exquisite to horrifying. I see midwives as independent carers. Some are incredible ( in fact the best one throughout my 2 day labour was a male midwive, graham at queen charlottes, we love you!!) and, some had no bedside manner, no sense that I was terrified and needed reassurance and generally made me feel like I was overreacting. I still. Feel traumatised by the whole thing. After every intervention possible I felt like I had been in a card crash but with a new baby. I was left battered on my own with no aftercare. Still hard to talk. About it.

I am going private because I need good aftercare, my own space, not a feeling of being rushed home and a place for my husband to stay over. My son has learning disabilities and I need this birth to go smoothly, predictably and peacefully!

Thanks for all the discussions and advice. Just need to start saving now!
E xx

[westminster11]

Hi it cost me £11000 for everything and I booked at St Thomas private unit - Westminster Maternity Unit

[joeymacc]

Hi, I think it came to roughly 7k for me at watford, wouldn't have changed a single thing about it. Used the birth team, felt really looked after throughout the experience. Had all my antenatal care on the NHS, since Watford is not actually that local to me, but would potentially even use them for antenatal care if I have another.