Lewisham or Kings? Which hospital would you choose?

[orlanda]

I had a great experience with my first child at Kings and, having moved, am wondering if it is worth trying to get re-referred to there, rather than go to have a second child at Lewisham. Would love to hear views on birth experiences at both hospitals. Thanks.

Had both my children at Kings love the place. The new birthing centre is so much nicer than the place I had ds 8 years ago, it was a large suite type room and I really cant fault the midwives there they are great - just my opinion of course - good luck x

I still have nightmares, 3 years on after my experience at Lewisham. It might be worth noting they have a 25% ceasarian rate.

I have to say that having had my first baby at Kings, one trip round Lewisham was enough to strengthen my resolve for a home birth. Seriously.

Another vote for King's.

One at each. Same as you, Kings first then moved. Lewisham was OK for me - had an easy time with second one, thank goodness, but it could have been not much fun at Lewisham, I could tell (I was called 'difficult' for being unhappy about lying on back for belt monitoring, and the midwife and matron had never seen a homeopathy kit before) and would choose Kings if had my time again. Push for Kings. I felt too morning sicky to protest when was told they weren't taking anyone from outside their area.

I had a good time at Lewisham, though haven't had second child to compare yet! The aftercare was bad, mainly because the midwives were busy looking after an abnormally high number of c-section women, think it was 35/42 beds??

I would say that it was mostly down to a great midwife whose shift coincided with my labour and realise that it could have been very different otherwise.

Good luck!

I had a homebirth with my first baby which was a fantastic experience, but I've looked round the new Birth Centre at Lewisham and it's stunning! - here is a useful site for more info...

www.lewisham.nhs.uk/our_services/women__childrens__pathology/lewisham_birth_centre .aspx

If you are looking at a birth centre - it might be worth you looking at the Barkentine (depending on how near the a2 you live) its just before Docklands after the Blackwall tunnel and its stunning - every room has a balcony, its own birth pool you don?t go on to a labour ward after the birth your partner can stay overnight with you and the facilities, care, midwives and ethos are amazing. But it?s only a birth centre so not for anyone who wants a labour ward birth.

Kings

or Barketine

Not Lewisham

Lewisham MLU centre opened last month. One of my antenatal class gave birth there this week and loved it. Definitely worth a look. Plus it has the bonus of CLU nearby.

I had ds at lewisham, the labour ward was fine, had a great midwife, post natal care was awful.

Friends around here seem to rate St Thomas' highly so that might be worth a look too?

Seems Lewisham went through a really rocky patch and got a deservedly bad reputation for it. Seems through that the criticisms were taken on board and big changes made, including the introduction of the birthing centre.

I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt and give it a go.

I had my first baby in Lewisham Birth Centre on 22nd May, before it was officially opened and only have good things to say about my experience.
I'm sure once word gets out about the new Birth Centre it will become very popular.
Good luck wherever you decide to have your baby.