midwife/consultant shared care

[tallamou]

I was booked at John and Lizzies to have my first child in July...they are closing the birth unit there and I am at a real loss...I am not wedded to the idea of either private or NHS care...I want a natural birth...and if that plan goes awry and I need a medical intervention, then I want a consultant to carry out the procedure..I want a gentle, caring atmosphere that is humane and supportive...any ideas anyone?

If you are considering NHS options, look into the birth centre at the whittington - it has recently been refurbished and has natural approach, pools in all the rooms, lovely surroundings, claim to be gentle & caring - although I haven't given birth there yet - and back up of the labour ward if you need it? You can go and look round without appointment I think on saturday at 3pm? There are photos on the website

Also there is a thread on the childbirth board on this subject with suggestions (ie closure of SJ&SE)