Private birth with birthing pool- does it exist?

[StillTrying10000]

I’m pregnant again after numerous past losses, including trimester 2 loss due to NHS failures.
My mum has been watching the news and had amazingly said she wants to pay for me to have a private birth to help minimise the risks. I will need to be induced at 37 weeks due to high risk pregnancy issues.

I feel so lucky to have this offer from her but now I can’t actually find a consultant led private birth in London or South East that will give me access to a birthing pool, so I can try to have as natural a birth as possible.
The Portland does but I wouldn’t want to risk going there as no NICU or NHS Emergancy care nearby.

Does anyone know of any? Google isn’t helping me.

Thank you!

The Portland is in central London though isn't it? So hardly miles from emergency care. And their website says they have their own NICU too.

Hasn't Frimley Park (Camberley, Surrey) got a private unit attached? I had a HB and we rented a birthing pool (didn't have time to fill it, so quite useless) but I understand you wouldn't want a HB if high risk.

Good luck, hope you find somewhere.

Portland is central london and not far from GOSH or UCLH I presume?

I would look instead at spending your mum's money on an independent midwife or experienced doula, they can have a very positive effect on outcomes and your experience. Even if you feel like it's not for you they would have a lot of knowledge of the different options in your area.
It is worth checking out Kemi Johnson, Sallyann Beresford, Mars Lord on social media. Sara Wickham is also fantastic.

The Portland do have a NICU.

Have you looked at Chelsea & Westminster? A good proportion of their rooms on Labour ward & the birth centre have birthing pools as well as en-suite bathrooms. So I imagine that in their private wing this will also be the case. I had two babies at C&W and had nothing but the most amazing care.

I would say try not to get too fixated on a water birth - on the day you might just not fancy it (lots of women don’t or get in and hate it) also if you’re being induced you may have to be on the drip which needs continual monitoring that may rule out access to the pool or whatever it is that makes you high risk may rule out the pool too. It might be worth discussing the likelihood of a water birth when having consultations with prospective consultants as they can let you know how possible they think this will be considering your personal circumstances. I would imagine considering you’ve previously had a late term loss many will be recommending a c section at 37 weeks.

Also, it is entirely possible to have a natural birth without use of a pool.

That being said if you’re being induced with a high risk pregnancy at 37 weeks I would really consider an elective section. For first births stats on inductions at 37 weeks aren’t great and if you’re in a private setting you will have access to the absolute best quality surgeons and support with your recovery.

What hospital are you currently at? have you had a pals debrief about your loss to try and understand why it happened and have they offered you access to counselling?

Hi OP, if it’s first baby it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use a pool as you will probably need the induction drip. I’m a second time mum also being induced at 37 weeks, and would love a pool, so understand your feelings. I’m hoping the pessary will be enough to tip me into labour but it wasn’t last time, so need to stay realistic. In your position I wouldn’t have a private birth, the money tends to be spent on ‘frills’ rather than care, the NHS is a much better option for risk factors and needing emergency care.

I am under care at The Portland and they have NICU and I think they include up to 22 days care under their fee. There is a NHS hosp 2 minutes down the road for yourself (hopefully this isn’t needed) and they have bloods incase transfusion is needed. Birthing pool is possible and the midwives and consultants have be amazing so far. Good luck x