Chelsea and Westminster

[Cressie2]

Has anyone given birth here recently and if so, what did you make of it? How long did you stay in and does anyone have experience of their birth centre?

Hi, Would really appreciate any thoughts on C&W vs Queen Charlotte's please!

I had a poor experience at C&W many years ago and am really hoping that it's improved bc it's much the closest for me. It has a good reputation for serious high-risk cases but not for the ordinary long/difficult birth.

The C&W prenatal care was good but the agency midwives on duty for the actual birth were dismissive and incompetent. But that was a long time ago so I don't want to be unfair if it's changed 🤞

I gave birth there about 6 months ago. It was absolutely fine - midwives were caring and as attentive as they could possibly be but very busy. It's never going to be comparable to a 5* hotel or holiday but it was clean, I was well cared for and safe

I had my daughter there a year and a half ago and I thought they were great. About to start TTC again and I’d definitely go back there.
I did come across one agency midwife on antenatal when my induction was started, and I wasn’t a fan of her. But when I was moved to the labour ward and had their regular staff, they were brilliant. The registrar and midwife who delivered our daughter probably saved our bacon - they spotted what was probably a placental abruption early and she was delivered safely. I also rate their ante natal care and also the post natal. We had some lovely midwives on post natal who really looked after us, to the point where I was really touched by how kind some of them were. I even got a very through birth debrief with a consultant; it was over the phone because of COVID but I was impressed that they kept the appointment and I was offered a video call option too. That’s when I found out more about the abruption and I actually asked the consultant to thank the team for how well they handled it.
I don’t know much about their birth centre, as I opted for the labour ward from the beginning. I heard the birth centre is newly done up, and the labour ward had a recent refurbishment too. The room we were in had a pool and also a chair that unfolded into a proper lie down bed for my husband.

@EarlGreywithLemon
This is very reassuring, thank you. It sounds like it's come a long way since my last delivery there (in 2005). Have booked in now. Best wishes for ttc!

@FactyFrances thank you, and very best of luck for your pregnancy. I really hope you have a better experience this time, and an easier birth too!

Thank you @EarlGreywithLemon and @choosername1234