Which hospital - UCH (NHS) or Portland/Lindo Wing (Private)

[lovelola]

Hi- would really appreciate some advice - sorry for the long post.

I had my DD 3 and a half years ago at UCH. Had an emergency c-section with complications (my uterus tore during the surgery and I lost 2.5 litres of blood). As a consequence, I've been advised to have an elective c-section with no. 2 - due in 4 weeks.

I am currrently booked to have the section performed by Maggie Blott at UCH on the NHS. A consultant urologist may also attend due to previous complications - but I don't think this is strictly necessary. After surgery I'll have a complusory 24 hours on the labour ward and a side room only if available (you can't pre-book) for the princely sum of £250 per night.

Due to previous birth, my health insurance will pay all hospital fees, consultants' and anaethetist's fees plus an pre and post appointment for a birth at St Mary's or the Portland. They also cover one paed. check on the baby, but nothing else baby related eg feeding, washing, nursery. I'll obviously get a private room, and think I can have this as long as I need it.

WWYD? I think the medical care will be similarly good whether I go NHS or private but will get better treatment afterwards (midwives, private room) with the private option. St Mary's is a bit of a trek (only relevant because have DD),and am a bit nervous of the Portland in case anything goes seriously wrong for me or the baby.

Does anyone know if a Lindo Wing consultant would take me for the section having not seen me antenatally - and if so, who? (I know Donald Gibb would take me at the Portland (he said as much when I had a MMC)).

II know this is hardly a serious problem or dilema - but my nrain has gone to mush and I can't make even the simplest decision.

THANKS

Given that you are due quite soon, it will all depend upon what space they have available. I'd say Lindo wing best choice in your circs but it may not be an option if they are fully booked. Call both now and see. Good luck.

Maggie Blott practises at the Portland as well. I would go there as you will have far superior aftercare and you and your baby will have fantastic care should anything go wrong. The only blip you may have now with private is that they may well be booked up.

I had emergency C-section at Portland - by Maggie Blott - wanted to say that she was fabulous and recovery was very straightforward and I dont have marks.....I would highly recommend her....

Thanks all. I'm going to ring round tomorrow to see if anyone's available to do me privately at short notice.

HI
I work in the private sector but I really think you should have your baby on the NHS. with the complications that you mentioned you had last time and with the possibility of needing a urogynaecologist to be present (incase of adhesions) I think your safest bet would be the NHS. You could always transfer postnatally if all went well.
Hope that helps
Kirstie

Hi,

Two doctors (both GPS) have advised me_ not_ to think of going private. I too had an ECSection with complications. The GP who was particularly sympathetic (and indeed had her own private practise) was great and I think, was trying to 'head me off at the pass' by raising the subject in case I thought that it would be safer/less traumatic this time if I went private. She was fine about me having an elective C Section if thats what I wanted.
I quote "Don't think of going private as they dont have the back up."

Food for thought.
Best wishes and good luck.