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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

The Kensington Wing or The Portland

29 replies

Newbie1066 · 29/07/2018 20:26

Hello,

First timers here.

Having viewed most of the private hospitals in London, my DH and I have whittled our options down to either the Kensington Wing at C&W or The Portland. Location per se is not an issue for us as we will be travelling to London to have our baby.

We will be choosing a consultant led package through choice rather than being “high risk”

When we viewed KW we instantly had a good connection and feeling about the place; all the staff from the receptionist to the consultant we overheard working were all lovely, as well as the other patients we spoke to.

When we viewed The Portland whilst the other patient we spoke to was delightful, we definitely didn’t get the same relaxed and “nothing was too much trouble” feeling we had at KW.

However, the dilemma begins because The Portland’s facilities appear to be somewhat superior. For example, We were told (and we were shown) that the Portland uses the “K2’ telematory monitoring system which means during labour, I and the baby can be monitored whilst I am walking around, it also works underwater.

In addition the `Portland has a 24/7 nursery, whereas the KW has one only between the hours of 11pm and 8am.

At the Portland you can request a room with a bath instead of a shower, whereas KW only has shower facilities.

At KW the bed for my husband seems better as it is a fixed feature, rather than a temporary bed that is brought in.

All in all, I guess I am wondering whether it is better to go with “your gut” (in our case this would be KW) or whether to go with the hospital with what I would consider to be better facilities.

I have read almost every post on the comparisons of these hospitals (!) but it would be great to hear anyone’s recent experiences which might assist with our dilemma.

Many Thanks in advance

OP posts:
VodselForDinner · 16/06/2019 15:42

29/07/2018:
At KW the bed for my husband seems better as it is a fixed feature, rather than a temporary bed that is brought in

26/04/2019:
I had a pulldown bed in the room which meant I didnt have to leave my wife and baby

Are you posting from your wife’s account?

lunaspring · 19/06/2019 14:08

I have been to neither. However, I feel that your 'gut feeling'- even because you feel more comfortable being there as a result- is so important for the whole experience, the progress of labour etc. Also, the benefits of having an entire NHS hospital (with staff available quickly from most specialties), is a massive consideration. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Newbie1066 · 19/06/2019 15:24

@VodselForDinner - it’s actually my account. My wife posted the initial message but pretty sure the rest is from me. Not entirely sure why that’s an issue though?! 🤷🏻‍♂️

I agree with @lunaspring - feeling comfortable is key!

OP posts:
emmah55555 · 24/09/2021 17:51

Hi

I need some advice. I have booked in with Professor Johnson at the Kensington Wing to deliver my 2nd child by c section. However I have found out today that he has a medical procedure on that day and I have been offered Natasha Singh. I have never met her before, did she deliver your baby via c section? Do you recommend her? I am looking for someone who can fix my scar as I have had a previous c section and abdominal surgery and its a mess. This is why I chose Professor Johnson, as you can imagine I am in a state of shock and confusion about what to do.

Really appreciate to hear your experience with her

Thanks

Emma

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