Kingston postnatal care

[Shikhav]

Hi

I am expecting my first baby at the end of April and was trying ti understand what the postnatal care is like at Kingston hospital.

I am currently low risk, and am likely to have a normal delivery but would ask for epidural. I am worried that after the baby is born they put you in the ward with no option to pay for a private room and not much nurse/ midwife support Has anyone had recent experiences and can help me understand

• what the pre birth experience is like once you go into labour?
• what is the postnatal ward set up after birth?
• does your partner get to stay with you overnight after your child is born?
• are there any options to get a private room? How?

thanks in advance

• what the pre birth experience is like once you go into labour?

Gave birth there end of last year! I went in at 8pm when contractions were 3 in 10 mins so after an assessment in triage, which found me at 5cm, I was put in the room I gave birth in and provided an epidural. Not a speedy process as they were getting things organised but I found time went quickly in labour. I couldn’t commend the midwives more, they were absolutely amazing and put me so at ease. They even put up some fairy lights for me and shut the curtains so I could have a cosy experience in the labour ward. I honestly had the happiest experience of my life giving birth in the middle of the night - also big thanks to the relief of the epidural (excellent choice there). While pushing, doctors had their eye on the baby’s heart rate monitor in another room (like CCTV) and came in when they had a concern about heart rate dipping after an hour and a half of (painless) pushing, so after a few tries they suggested instrumental delivery. Again, all great vibes for me thanks to the drugs - all female doctors after some hoiking got the babe out.

• what is the postnatal ward set up after birth?

I think most postnatal rooms are private however I got the shorter straw in a shared ward with one other couple. Think there were only two shared rooms on the whole ward though. Experience post birth was fantastic. Midwives come to you at the press of a button day or night, 1:1 feeding coaching from midwives or lactation consultants when on site. Hot meals for mum. They encouraged us to stay a day later because they didn’t need the bed immediately and because our baby wasn’t feeding so great, so it allowed us to benefit from more of the feeding support provided.

• does your partner get to stay with you overnight after your child is born?

Yes, horrible blue chairs for them to ‘sleep’ in. Best advice from my NCT friends is for partners to just join you sleeping in your bed. It’s a roomy hospital single so enough place for two to squeeze on, loveliest sleepover in the world after a baby, and hospital staff turn a blind eye.

• are there any options to get a private room? How?

Yes there is, check out Kingston maternity online and you’ll find info on it. I personally didn’t think it was worth the money when the postpartum support was so excellent on NHS.

Enjoy! All me and my friends rave about our experiences at Kingston I hope yours is just as positive 🤩