Portland Hospital - anyone with experience of giving birth there ?

[KenningtonKitty]

My best friend has placenta previa and is trying to decide whether to go to The Portland for her C Section in early March.

Does anyone have any experience of giving birth there/c-sections or any other comments which might help ?

Thanks

KenningtonKitty

I had my dd there and it was very good particularly in the first day or two after my section. The surgery itself was a complete joy - everyone was in a great mood and so encouraging. They did everything you'd expect and I was completely comfortable. They put dd to breast in recovery room -- not soon enough for some but good enough for most.

You get your own midwife for the first day and this was great! I had problems breastfeeding and not sure that they do enough in that department though you could easily ask and they'd respond as they are super professional. I found the nights a bit hard. I think if I were to do it again, I'd have my doula there the whole time! I sent dh home though they can sleep there if you'd like.

Services are good, eg. food and phone etc. It is a quiet facility and very comfortable.

I admit I expected a bit more post birth support from a bf and mothering perspective (just someone to talk to), but perhaps my expectations were too high. Also, there are a lot of people who come around -- you are a bit out of it so it's hard to 'tell' if they are nurses etc. They do explain this to you so all you'd have to do is read the stuff in their brochure but I didn't until after (helpful!).

I was up and around on the second day and driving within 2 weeks. I have heard Queen Elizabeth is a bit more forward thinking, but other than that I think it's all about the surgeon. I can recommend mine highly.

not much help but i had my dd there in october through the midwife led team. They made my childbirth a joy and i cannot fault a single thing.

I actually found they were very pro-breast feeding, and some of the midwives were a bit sniffy about my choice to bottle feed.

not much help but i had my dd there in october through the midwife led team. They made my childbirth a joy and i cannot fault a single thing.

I actually found they were very pro-breast feeding, and some of the midwives were a bit sniffy about my choice to bottle feed.

Thanks for that - very helpful & have passed to my friend

KenningonKitty

A friend of mine delivered one of her children at Portland. Her experience with the staff and room was positive, but the baby unexpectedly needed special care after delivery and Portland doesn't offer neo-natal intensive care. Therefore they had to transport the baby 30mins to an NHS hospital. My friend and her partner said it was the worst 30 mins of their life and have not been back to Portland for subsequent births for this reason. Rather, they have chosen private delivery in an NHS hospital because comprehensive care is available on site if needed (for either baby or mum) whilst still receiving private care. Just something to consider...

I think one of the London hospitals has a private wing, so you don't need to be ambulanced elsewhere for special care etc.

I wouldn't consider an operation in a hospital that didn't have ICU etc.

Yes, a couple London NHS hospitals have a private wing, including Chelsea & Westminster and St. Mary's. I agree, I would personally choose one of these over Portland for the comprehensive care availability.

My GP wasn't overjoyed at the idea of my using an independent midwife - but she was absolutely against birthing in a private hospital, for precisely this reason.

I stayed on the UCH private patients' wing a few years ago (although not for a birth) and it was pretty good. And so was the food!

I used the private ward of St Thomas'. It was absilutely lovely. I even got two nights' discount for being messed about the first night. It's a tetieary institution and NICU is just down the corridor.

The congestion charge was also refunded and parking was included in the costs. Would recommend it anyday. They have one consultant who has supposedly done a few fifth cs deliveries.

FineFatMama - I had my ds at St Thomas's Home from Home last August - Fabulous - was in for 12 hours and woke up at 5.30am to watch sun rise with him over Westminster Bridge and Houses of Parliament - memory will always stay with me !