antenatal care/ birth hospital choices - North London

[percy]

Just wondered if anyone had experience of hospitals in North London for antenatal care/ birth they could share with me.

I am having dilemma's about which hospital to go to. I live in Crouch End and have been told by my doc to go to the Whittington. The few friends I have in this area tell me to avoid this place at all costs.

Ds was born in the Royal Free , but after a distressing labour there I was hoping not to go back. Long story... but midwife failed to realise that the baby was spine to spine until 24 hours into labour, and an anesthetist at this point who left me black and blue.

I know I should be more relaxed this time about birth etc , and it is still a LONG way off, but would like to make a decision and stick to it, rather than changing my antenatal care around etc.

What do you guys think?

On the other hand, if you go to UCH you could have midwifery sister Chris Mutakrishna looking after you, and she is another of the best midwives in the world. She helped me give birth to both of my children at UCH; the first time I was just lucky enough to get her, but the second time she was on duty when I came in and I asked her to look after me.

BTW, you do not gave to go the 'local' hospital, or even to the hospital at which you are officially booked-in. UCH isn't my local, I reqquested it originally because that was where my then gyne worked, and I trusted her implicitly.

Posey, I also found it far too hot, and for my second night managed to get one of the single rooms where I slept with the window wide open and dd in the bed with me. Both of which appalled the nursing assistant when she came in the next morning!

Hi there

This is sort of one the same theme - and I need some advice pls.

I live in Stoke Newington and was told by my GP I would have to go to Homerton. I didn't want to have my baby there and requested I be moved to UCH. This has all been agreed and UCH has accepted me.

However, my GP says I can't see their midwives as they're associated to Homerton and UCH are reluctant for me to see their midwives as they prefer to keep them for emergencies/high-risk pregnancies.

So what do you think I should do? I am now nearly 15 weeks and haven't seen a midwife yet. Should I force my GP? But then will the midwives' info be wrong because they're not familiar with the UCH system? Or demand appts from UCH even though I'm not high-risk?

Help!

That sounds like rubbish - I would give your PCT and UCH a ring. Sounds like your GP is just being difficult.

If you are getting shared care i.e. seeing your GP/midwife at surgery and a few hospital visits, you should be able to see whichever midwife is based at your GP's surgery - regardless of what hospital they are attached to.

My GP is in Islington, but I have chosen to have my anti-natal care at St. Mary's Paddington, but I can see midwife at GP's surgery whenever I like and she is based at the Whittington. It has never been a problem.

It is not really about different hospital systems - just make sure you have your notes with you so midwife can keep everything up-to-date.

Thank you, GO. Have called my GP demanding an appt with the MW and, yes, they've agreed now to shared care. Shame they were being difficult in the first place.

Erm -any reason you opted not to go to UCH??!

Yes, but I don't want to scare you, so best if I don't say anything. Let's just say i had a very, very, very, poor anti-natal experience there, but lots of women have a great time there and love it.

Good luck