Childbirth in Chase Farm Maternity Ward

[MargaretB]

Hi, I have just joined Mumsnet as I am expecting our first children (twins)and was wondering what are the recent childbirth experiences in Chase Farm maternity ward. I have innitially chosen Chase Farm because it is the closest hospital and my friends had positive opinions of Ridgeway Birth Centre. Having found out that we are expecting twins I started to be apprehensive as it is regarded a higher risk pregnancy and was already told will be given birth on the ward. Any thoughts will be much appreciated.

4years ago I gave birth to dd in Chase farm, very nice, friendly and helpfull staff and experiencies.
But I can't say the samy 7 montht ago, it was disgusting! very rude and unhelpfull staff, I felt very wick as I hdad some complication, doctor said, that he will send midwife to get me with wheelchair. When midwife came, she was upset, that she must come one more time for my baby thinks and ask me very rudely why can't I walk....if there would be any next time, no more Chase farm!

I had my son at Chase Farm in February this year (2010). The midwife I had in labour ward was excellent, but the people who answer the phones are dreadful! When you go into labour do not waste time phoning as they will just tell you to to take a paracetamol and get some sleep (Nonsense: my baby came out 10 mins later!) Just insist on going into hospital and they will look after you fine once you are there.

I had my daughter at Chase farm in December 2009.

I was booked into the Ridgeway Birth Centre but due to the bad snow and staff having trouble getting in, it closed so I was referred to the consultant ward. The labour and delivery midwives and consultants I saw were all excellent and I received good care, however the post natal ward was just awful and I couldn't get out of there quickly enough.

I totlaly agree with what KGa said. I phoned a few times to be told I was panicking as I was a first timer and to rest, take paracetamol and a bath etc and not to come in. After a few hours I persuaded them to let me come in for an examination with the promise I'd go home immediately if they were right. Went in and they took one look and admitted me straightaway!

I had my son in CFH in April 07. I found it to be ok. I had a c-section in the end (wanted to use The Ridgeway facility initially) and aftercare was good. I think it's a bit hit and miss as my experience was reasonable (only concern was not enough staff on at night so help not arriving when you need it, before and after the birth. I was in for 5 nights) but I heard some horror stories when I was in there and my friend had an unpleasant exp in there, problems mainly down to lack of staff I think.
I hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks, that is very helpful. It looks like your experiences are mixed. So far everybody was very kind and professional; but it might as well be because twins are considered high risk. I guess as long as doctors and midwives are good, that should be ok. Once again, thank you.

Hi,

I gave birth to y son at CF in August 2010. All the staff were brilliant! very attentive. dont be put off by the lack of paint etc care was fab.

But the lady next to me had a horror story as sh e ended uo giving birth on the ward by herself and had to flag down staff to tell them as they shut her door.