How does private care differ from the NHS?

[bronya]

Having read the thread about being treated like human beings during childbirth, I'm just wondering this. I do have experience of private care in other situations, and have been amazed at how much more polite, caring and respectful the doctors have been. Is it the same for childbirth?

Unfortunately yes it is as they have so much more time for you. My antenatal appointments were at,least half an hour, scans longer,plus as many additional appointments as you wanted. On delivery the midwife ratio was one to one plus if you has a CS for 12 hours after. Postnatally it was one midwife for 3 ladies plus the nursery staff , physios breastfeeding specialists etc. I think that most midwives would love to provide that level ofcare for every woman but the resources are not there.

I would echo the above. The NHS is generally understaffed and so they just don't have resources to spend as much time with you. I have only experience of private maternity care but for non maternity things I have had experienced both (though the only in-patient thing I have had was private too).

However a lot depends on the hospital. In central London in a hospital which delivers 5500 babies a year you are sadly unlikely to get much really personal attention (though there are plenty of midwives working in them who are desperately trying to provide this). I am from the north and my sister gave birth somewhere where there were plenty of midwives, the quiet post natal ward had only four beds and she could stay as long as she wanted post-birth.

It is more of a gamble as to what you will get on the NHS whereas going private (albeit at vast expense) seems to guarantee a high level of personal care.

This is my first baby and I'm going private so do not have an NHS experience to compare to when it comes to pregnancy. But I do have two pregnant friends who are on NHS so I hear their experiences.

As others have said one main difference is time. I am seen by a consultant at each appointment, every two weeks. I have her mobile and email so can contact her whenever I like. Appointments are relaxed. Amazing equipment so every time I go I can have a 4d scan at the flick of a switch. It's very reassuring to see the baby so often.

When giving birth I will have a private room with en suite and sofa bed for my husband who can stay as long as he likes.so a very provate experince, no wandering corridors to pee, get support etc. this was very important to me as have heard horror stories of friends delivering outside of visiting hours and partners being sent home leaving them alone. Vaginal birth is a two day stay, c section, 4 days. Lactation consultants for every patient to support them.

The hospital feels like a hotel,is calm, spotless, relaxing. Friends have cried when they had to leave, as opposed to the NHS where no one could get out quick enough!

NHS give you Aldi tea, private give you Twinings.

Hi I wanted to post my experience as it was a very positive one and was entirely NhS. Whilst I agree with the above that it won't be guaranteed depending on the hospital/ time, I'm guessing private care also involves that risk. My ante natal appointments generally lasted at least half an hour, I had a natural birth, 1:1 midwife care, a birth pool, excellent doctors when they became necessary (ventouse delivery), felt me and the baby were monitored and cared or very well in the post natal ward (against my expectations), and genuinely never felt pushed to the side or rushed. The food was also delicious - bonus! Perhaps I was fortunate, but I do hear many good as well as poor examples of NhS services. I suppose researching policies and views of your area beforehand is crucial.