London hospital recommandations for C-section

[Anyouchka]

Hello
I (38F - first child) am going for an planned C-section due to health issues. I am considering going private for the c-section as I heard some horror stories about the after care following this type of procedures.

I am currently registered with UCLH NHS and considering fitzrovia to stay within the vicinity of the same hospital in case of emergency. I have seen some reviews with negative experiences about fitzrovia, though these were somewhat old. Did anyone try it recently for a cs?

Beyond fitzrovia, any other recommandations or experiences with other hospitals? Thoughts on St John's & Elisabeth? Portland?

i was due to give birth at the Fitzrovia suite. They were shambolic and useless with the admin, I had to keep chasing them, then 3 days before my CS was due they bailed on me and said they couldn’t have me there after all. I would recommend staying well away from it. I ended up at the Portland and had a really good experience there. This all happened in 2023 - not really recent but not ages ago either.

Portland is definitely where you want to be in central London.

Thank you!! Once booked in Portland, what's the process to transfer your antenatal history from NHS to the private hospital?

Essentially, the same as if you were moving from one NHS hospital to another. A 90 minute booking appointment to go through your history, review of any medication, blood tests etc. Bit of a faff but they were good with the admin at the Portland so it went smoothly.

Maybe consider Kensington Wing at Chelsea Westminster. I had my c sections on NHS at CW but managed to get a private room at Kensington Wing post delivery for one of my births and it was amazing, so much support. Both C sections were also very positive experiences and I recovered fast afterwards (up and walking on day 2, walking 1-2 miles again after a few days). The rest of the NHS experience there was terrible though especially the postnatal ward so definitely go private if you can afford it.

I think you are better off hiring a postnatal doula/midwife to stay with you on the ward and a maternity nurse for when you go home. Yes, NHS conditions are basic but you are only there for a night or two in an uncomplicated scenario. If it it anything more difficult, they will move you so a room where you will only be sharing with one other person. I had 3 c sections at St Mary’s on the NHS. Two stays of one night and one stay of six nights. I also had a private gynae procedure on the Lindo wing and truth be told wasn’t particularly impressed with the facilities x