Portland or Kensington wing for midwife care?

[Jo1948]

Hello Beautiful ladies
Which would you choose for midwife led care? Portland H or Kensington wing?
It is my first pregnancy. I'll be living not far from the Chelsea and Westminster H/Kensington wing. I am self paying.

I visited both. I very much liked the midwife I spoke to at Portland. and was less impressed by the midwife in the Kensington wing (she was very young).

Thank you !
Jo

Why did the midwife being young impress you less?

I’m having my second baby this year in the Kensington Wing. I also gave birth there in 2016. I’ve also visited the Portland.

I’ve nothing bad to say about my experience at the Kensington Wing. I’ve had nothing but great midwives.

Following with interest as I will be going private when I go

Because when you are paying what you are, I imagine people would want someone with significant experience .

I am mid twenties and would prefer someone older too

My first birth was with a much older and much more experienced midwife. She was very brusque and didn’t tell me anything that was happening. I had no encouragement or reassurance. My second birth was with a newly qualified midwife and she was so supportive and lovely - I even wrote to the hospital to say thanks to her personally. Don’t discount someone because they look young.

"She was very brusque and didn’t tell me anything that was happening. I had no encouragement or reassurance."

Was this NHS or private ?

I gave birth in the Portland recently and have nothing but positive things to say about my experience.

Staff were all incredible, the after-care was brilliant (we stayed for three extra days) and DH and I absolutely plan to have the next one there.

If you have any specific questions please do ask and I'll do my best to answer

Meghan, is that you? What does Harry think?

If you are concerned how about shared midwife and consultant care?

Actually if I had my time again I’d be OB led for my first pregnancy. There are so many more uncertainties.
far more important than what you think of the MW who showed you around, is what the unit’s arrangements are when MWs need a medical opinion. In the private units they are very medical/OB led. I like this because I am risk averse but may not be everyone’s choice. It may be easy for them to grab the nearest consultant during the day but will you be stuck waiting for a stressed registrar to come over from the NHS ward in case an opinion is needed (or worse an emergency)?

Also ask both about their use of agency staff if these are your main caregivers.

I've already planned I'm going consultant lead but that's because I will be having an elective .

I'm also considering Guys

I was told to avoid the Portland due to their comparatively poor SCBU facilities , and to go somewhere with an NHS SCBU