st. mary's birth centre w2.

[hungryhorse]

Hi I am planning to give birth in the new birth centre built next to st. mary's in paddington.
However I am alarmed by the recent news story about the investigations going on because of 2 deaths since june...

Does anyone have any info or advice for me?

Hungryhorse - I'm planning on giving birth there too, in February. My neighbour gave birth there last week - she could not praise the midwives highly enough and loved the care she got there.

I have read about the investigations too - they are worrying but sadly, I know, that mistakes and infant deaths happen on medical wards as well as in birth centres. I gave birth to DS at the Royal Free and after my experience there I would never set foot in there again as DS was very ill due to a midwife's mismanagement of my labour.. I think you should do the tour of the birth unit and labour ward and decide what you would feel most comfortable with at the time of your labour and put the press stories out of your mind.

I had my first on the normal labour ward, and my midwfe during delivery was fantastic.
However once on the labour ward the midwives were horrible and the toilets/ bathrooms filthy.
I've had a tour of the birth centre and loved it and I still want to go there... just wandered if anyone knew any reasons why I shouldn't.

Ultimately, will you feel comfortable and safe giving birth there? If yes, go for it. If not, then suggest thinking about homebirth or labour ward (as if you have any worries/doubts may impact subconsciously on you).