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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Help… NHS or Private C-section delivery?!

3 replies

Hendricks124 · 27/01/2023 21:09

Looking for some advice please… I’ve overthought myself into a state of complete confusion!

I am about to have my second baby and can’t decide if I should go private or stick with the NHS. I had my first baby via emergency c-section during the pandemic in my local NHS hospital and had a horrific experience. I appreciate it was during covid times but they were so understaffed I was left with no help or support and am terrified of a repeat experience like that.

I decided to look at going for a private c-section this time so I could try and relax and actually enjoy the experience. However, I am based in the midlands and the closest private hospital I could go to is over 3hours away! I remember how sore I was after my last c-section and am scared of the 3 hour plus journey home and if the pain will be too much!

I was hoping to get some advice from you guys to help me decide what to do!

has anyone else had a similar experience?

has anyone travelled a long distance after a section and if so was it manageable?!

has anyone else got any recommendations on going private?

thanks in advance for any help!

OP posts:
Donnaslayer · 27/01/2023 22:19

Hello I had a C Section at NHS Blackpool hospital 3 years ago. 15days overdue he just wouldn't come out. They put my op back 3 times due to emergencies. My baby was happy as in there so it wasn't done as an emergency. I was so frightened of being cut open and cried as they did my spinal tap, they asked why I was crying and I explained I was just scared of the op, they were really nice about it and I did feel comforted. The surgery room itself was large and brilliantly lit clean bright white, not the dungy dark room id expected. There were so so many people in there, all with the sole jobs of looking after me and baby. I felt comforted.

In the Op after they got baby out there was a moment I went very lightheaded and white. I think my blood pressure dropped. I remember being too weak to hold baby and asked them to give him to his dad. But after a few moments of them working on me I felt okay again. The surgeon then lent over and told me she'd noticed a cyst on an Overy and asked if I wanted her to remove it or they could schedule another surgery. I had it done there and then and they showed it to me afterwards. It was fascinating. Afterwards on ward, the staff were alright. My only gripe is partner was sent home at 10pm and I spent all night awake with a crying baby clock watching till he came back in the morning. If he could have stayed that would have been great as I needed more help than was on hand.

I just want to say. Last year I watched This Is Going to Hurt. Its a TV Series on Iplayer. Based on the best-selling memoir, the series follows junior doctor Adam Kay in his chaotic job in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Episode 6 Adam does his first shift at a posh private hospital and finds that it's not all it's cracked up to be.

This episode has always stuck with me. I'm glad I went with the NHS and would again. Also my baby had a tongue tie and they booked him in a couple of days later to have it snipped. I don't know if they'd have been so quick if I'd gone private as my NHS knee op was farmed out to Bupa who forgot to inform my doctor Id had surgery. End result... I had stitches in my knee for over a week+ longer than necessary which Dr had to dig out as the skin had grown over them.

I found a transcript below of the ponient part of the episode near the end which has stayed with me:

Pregnant Posh Friend. So, how was your first private shift?

Yeah, it was fine, thanks.

Isn't that chandelier
in the entrance hall stunning?

You know, it wasn't all right,
it was awful.

Attempted m*rder with a side
order of asparagus risotto.

Pregnant Posh Friend. LAUGHING: What do you mean?

Look, you don't have to listen to me and you probably won't,
but I have to say this.

Go private for your bunions
or your haemorrhoids.

But not for your baby,
it's not safe.

Pregnant Posh Friend.Don't be ridiculous.

Yes, they've got fancy uniforms
and a pillow menu.

But do you really
want that chandelier to be the last thing you see
before they cart you off
for the NHS to save your life?

That hospital was not prepared,
and my patient nearly died
last night.

You serious? Absolutely.

Save your money.
Spend it on, like, 20 holidays.

Thank you, Adam.

I really appreciate your honesty.

Etinoxaurus · 27/01/2023 22:24

My first though was that scene too.
NHS @Hendricks124
Flowers and congratulations

PinkPlantCase · 27/01/2023 22:32

NHS, but can you pay for a private room afterwards?

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