C-section aftercare (bonus points for Barnet)

[Bells3032]

I'm 9 weeks pregnant with twins. We'd always decided to have private antenatal but the private obs said i'm better off with twins on the NHS as they take such good care of twins anyway and if i get hospitalised and my insurance won't pay for it i'll basically bankrupt myself.

Barnet are putting me through to a consultant and i'll be under consultant led care due to both the twin thing and health issues.

We are now debating whether to just have the delivery on the NHS. I think we'll push for a C-section anyway but i don't want to be taking care of two babies on a ward with my husband only being able to be with me two hours a day and dragging two babies into the loo with me every time i need or anything.

Did people generally get put in private rooms etc post caesarean and were partners only allowed two hours a day.

We just don't know what to do. we have the funds for the private delivery but not sure what for the best. The private hospital is also like 45 mins away

I did nhs care up until delivery, then had a private elective c section. I’m afraid I can’t help with your specific queries about barnet etc, but the private aftercare was very good, I felt supported and had privacy. I would not question to do the same again. In the event that something went wrong and you or babies needed urgent support then they would transfer you to NHS anyway wouldn’t they? I think my package covered one night in the special care baby unit if required.

My friend had twins about a year ago via nhs by vaginal delivery and was on a ward. Another friend had a single baby by c section and was also on a ward. Some hospitals have bookable private rooms but why are not guaranteed.

If you have the money for c section and aftercare it might be better option. I had an elective c section last year , I think it probably varies but I had a positive experience. I went home the next day, so wasn't really an issue with husband not being there. With covid , he was only allowed to be there around 30 mins after the birth. However I did only have one baby....the midwifes helped feed and change ( some were horrible, some lovely) . I am quite overweight but recovered really well, as I said I was out the next day. If your healthy you will probably be the same .

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy!

My mum had her DC private at the St Mary's Lindo Wing and she was always happy with the experiences. Having said that, for twins, I would personally recommend the NHS. Firstly they have vast experience in dealing with twins, who are more likely to come early. And as you say yourself, extended private care is likely to bankrupt you.

Would you consider switching hospitals? For example UCH might be better than Barnet- or some other hospital with top-notch tier 3 NICU?
Something to think about...

I understand your concerns about being alone with 2 babies after birth and that definitely is a concern. However you can't know now what the policies will be on postnatal wards. My hospital currently allow 2 birth partners on delivery, and partner is allowed 24 hours on postnatal. (Homerton Hospital in North London).