Queens Birth Centre Romford

[TeacherBeccy]

HI there,
I'm 40 and currently 8 weeks pregnant with my first child. Does anyone have any recent experience of using Queen's in Romford's facilities to deliver their baby? I'm thinking that of the options available the birthing centre might well be the best for me but would really appreciate any feedback from people who have used either that, the labour ward or opted for a home birth.

Hi ! Congratulations firstly! I am due in the next 2 days and plan to use the birthing centre at Queens in Romford so will report back x

Congratulations!!

I had my little boy there two years and was worried after hearing bad things, but I can honestly say they were brilliant in nearly every way.

I mostly laboured at home and ended up with three midwives with me offering support. I went in for the last three hours of my labour (basically just the pushing stage)and they allowed me to do what I needed whilst guiding where needed.

Every midwife I came into contact with I'd recommend, from triage for limited movements to the birth itself.

I found the after care more limiting. I was exhausted and ended up collapsing in the bathroom because I had no energy. I found they were more reactive than proactive in responding i.e. if you ask they'll help but didn't offer or take initiative

They do move you out of your room very quickly to a ward which takes you quickly out of the birth bubble. They were my only grumbles and to be honest they're little in the grand scheme of things.

Good luck and hoping you have a smooth pregnancy 😊 x

@Bump2020 Congratulations and fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!

@fromcitytocountry thanks for the info!

Had my first at Queens in 2017 just a few days before Xmas and I'm due my second in October.

I initially wanted the birth centre but I ended up being induced so was on the labour ward.
All the midwives that I came into contact with were fantastic and the dr that stitched me up after was amazing too.

My room was a little small, but to be honest that's just luck of the draw and I didn't care one jot (it was just something I noticed coming from a rather large antenatal room round the corner).

Agree with a previous poster that post natal did let them down slightly, they were extremely busy (I think a little understaffed too) and I had to push to get baby's checks done so I could go home the same day (born early morning, didn't end up leaving until about 9pm). Wish I'd asked for more help breastfeeding too in hindsight. But I felt overall well looked after (I'm quite independent and don't like lots of fussing).

My best friend had a water birth using the birth centre and loved it, all being well, I'm aiming for birth centre this time round.

On the whole I can't really fault the care, I had to go back to triage a few days after birth as my stitches were slightly infected, but again the care was great and I felt well looked after.

I know Queens used to have a bad rep, but they have poured in a lot of funding over the last few years and it is one of the busiest maternity units in the country now.

Also to mention, if you're on the birth centre you will stay in the birth centre for post natal rather than the big post natal ward.
I believe they have small shared wards and some private rooms on the birth centre, but all being well (and if you're happy) you can ask to have all checks done and be discharged in around 6 hours.

That felt super quick when I first heard it, but after having my first all I wanted was to get back home to my creature comforts, but everyone is different.

I had both of mine at Queen's, I cannot fault the birth centre and the aftercare. Good luck 👍

I’m currently under Queens but won’t be using the birth centre as I’m high risk. I must say my consultant care has been amazing.