DD just arrived 4 weeks early after waters breaking last Thurs. Some very scary times and fraught moments, but I wanted to share some bits of my experience for what it's worth. Might be of interest to locals going there, VBACers, and early deliveries...
Homerton was fab fab fab. At no time was I under any pressure to head straight for a c-section. They explained the 'normal' policy (48 hours) but were more than willing to stand back, observe, and take a balanced view. At all times the consultants supported my decision to continue to try for a VBAC. Obviously this was based on the baby being okay, but in line with NICE guidelines we were going to 96 hrs before planned c section.
Mon am arrived and I went into labour!!! Twenty minutes before the section with me in agony and about to bottle it, the consultant examined me and said: "Harriet you can do this." No section, DD arrived 12 hours later! 6 lbs, we're not sleeping, but otherwise a major relief.
A couple of asides:Mobile epidural was a revelation - I could feel when the contractions were coming, but much preferable as I could stay really involved in the labour but felt really in control. Classic comment from my independent midwife later: "How did you bruise your knees so badly?" Hmm...did you notice I was kneeling and rocking for about 9 hrs? At the end after all the top ups it did poss have an impact on my pushing, but it's hard to say whether it was that or the total exhaustion. Still had CRACKING BACK PAIN and the baby wasn't even OP this time - and also v titchy .
Love affair with Hom ends with the aftercare. I think aspects have actually gotten worse since 2004 when I was tehre for DD1. After such a high from the delivery, the post natal ward was such a downer. So disappointing. Baby on antibiotics, that jaunidice rug they sleep on, so uncomfortable, plus I'm stressed about feeding. I'm walking DD around at 4.30 after hours of screaming and the midwives decide to inform me of their health and safety policy, that it's not allowed for mothers to walk around with their babies. Got loads of paperwork wrong (including baby's WEIGHT !!!!!!! which was going to be a critical factor in when we could actually leave the hospital) or it went missing. Abusive midwives in some cases. No loo roll which is great when you have a 2nd degree tear and are forced to use a handwipe. They are trying hard with the breast feeding - there was a counsellor about and more women seemed to be feeding. But very strange and conflicting advice, and they're really into riding your case as to how you're getting on with it all, which is a bit intimidating. If you do want formula (I gave DD some from a cup), be ready for someone to have gone home with the key to the cupboard as well. Hosp cleaner, though, but down for some bizarre reason to 1 private room and the ward has moved downstairs. So there I am in my pjs with painful bits elevatoring it up to the second floor SCBU for check ups.
Anyway, that's enough. Sorry it's so long but had to spill.x