NHS c-section delivery followed by private care

[msch]

Hi all

I am having twins by c-section in mid June (NHS) and am trying to find out options for care immediately after. I would like the option of staying in a facility for a few days after rather than having to go home almost straight away. I know that with a C-section they keep you in a couple of days but I don't want to feel like I am being rushed home if I need more support. I would also like some support on hand for breast-feeding which I know can be tricky to start. This is my first times so both twins and c-section are a bit terrifying.

I would like to know if anyone has delivered with NHS and then gone onto private care immediately after and if so what the options are? At the moment I am with The Whittington but we are planning on moving to NW London so will probably move to St Mary's.

thanks!

You could hire a live-in doula for a while to care for you and the baby while you are at home. I don't know about your area, but I know of people who've stayed in for four days after a section so you needn't think you have to be out in two. My friend hired a doula who stayed with them for over a week once they were discharged and she found it really valuable - she did cooking, cleaning, helping with breast feeding - anything you like really.

Hire a maternity nurse or similar?

Queen Charlotte Hospital in Hammersmith have a private post natal ward which is available for use with private or NHS delivery in the same hospital. It's lovely & worth the money. It's called the Sir Stanley Clayton Ward.

Wonderful, thanks for your help everyone. I had no idea where to start and this is really useful information.

Do you know roughly how much would I expect to pay for a live-in doula?

My doula charges £15 an hour for post natal care. I don't know if she does full day / night rates. Google your area for doulas and email them to ask, or check out their websites.

A service called mermaid maternity offer this service I believe. They have a website that may be able to give your more info