Which Hospital

[AussieMum2Be]

Hi there,

Just found Im pregnant about 4weeks and went to doctors appointment today, didnt really tell me much besides approx birth date, I thought she would do more tests or something but its my first time so really dont know what to expect.

She has said I need to choose a hospital, so no idea how to choose, my options are Royal London Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, Univeristy College London Hospital and Whittington Hospital.

Any advise from personal recent experience is much appreciated.

Thanks

Try searching, or looking at the hospital websites. I don't know those hospitals, but what is available (e.g. MLU, birth pools, private rooms) tends to vary. Some hospitals also have different policies - we've opted for a hospital with more up-to-date policies on induction, breastfeeding, etc.

Forgot to say - you usually get tests done or booked at your midwife booking in appointment, somewhere between 8 and 11 weeks.

You also have to choose whether to give birth at home, in a MLU (midwife led unit) or in a consultant led ward. Although this decision may be taken out of your hands later on - and you can change your mind at any time.

Hello - also try asking on the mumsnet local topic page or child brith - with Hospitals in London - might get more luck there!

Oh - and congrats!

Hi CupcakesHay,

Where would i find the "child birth - with Hospitals in London" only just joined this site so still finding out how to navigate.

Thanks

Hi there Aussie and welcome!

Have a think about how you imagine the birth to be, as japhrimel said, would you ideally like a water birth, birth led by midwives or more a doctor led birth. This will influence your decision. You can also go on visits to the labour ward to get a feel for the place. Most will say to go when you're about 30wks or so but I went very early on so I could decide. You can always change your mind later on too so don't worry too much about where you start off with your antenatal care.

I personally went to the Whittington in pregnancy for hyperemesis and hated it. The ward was filthy, the nurses overworked and thin on the ground. Maybe the actual labour ward is better but that made me decide not to have my baby there. I ended up going with the Royal Free and was very happy. Am now pregnant with DC2 and going to go with UCH as have heard many positive stories and so far the antenatal care is great. Much less waiting around than Royal Free and very new and clean!

Good luck and congratulations!

Forgot to mention, overall you'll hear good and bad stories about every hospital. In the end you have to weigh everything up and go where you feel most secure and happy

Hi fellow Aussie,

I had my first daughter at Homerton and it turned into my worst nightmare. She died after suffering massive brain damage because I wasn't given proper care during my induced labour (the coroner's verdict was gross neglect of care). They routinely use an unlicensed drug for inductions which the NICE guidelines say should only be used in trials (but I knew none of this until much later). I know you will hear good and bad stories from any hospital, but I would strongly advise you not to go to Homerton.

I'm 12 weeks and having this baby at UCL. We did fertility treatment there (both NHS and private) and hae always been impressed by everyone we encountered - very supportive, very helpful and very professional. Two close friends went there and only had good things to say.

Search for as much information online as you can. You can also change your mind up until the last minute if you don't feel comfortable. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and that your carers answer all your questions.

Best of luck

Homerton has just opened a brand new mother and baby unit, so has Whittington (well a new maternity wing or whatever it is called).
i have friends that have used both and loved both, and friends that have hated them. The truth is Lpndon hospitals are mentally busy, so you never get the attention you think you deserve (or rarely). The new wings are designed to address a lot of that at least.
I haev a mate who had a terrible time at UCL..but then you generally do only hear the extremes, right? think of tripadvisor- you get love or hate tales...no "yep was fine" reviews.

Whittington does tours every saturday at 3pm. book on. Not sure abotu the others. UCH refuses- which makes me wonder what they're hiding! but i am a cynic at heart. They are also slap bang in central london which could be a pain to get to in labour! I'm sure you'll be fine wherever you choose

good luck

Currently with UCLH, not actually been to the maternity ward yet but other wards seemed lovely (if hot, as all hospitals are). If I can convince them to let me stay on once I move, I will!

Probably going to have to move to Kings College Hospital as DP and I are moving to Peckham area. Only seen their early scans unit ... just looked, well, normal.

Both hospitals seem normal, sane places though, as hospitals go!

Their websites are great, and you can phone and ask questions.

I'm booked in at UCH. Have been to their EPU a couple of times and was very impressed. I feel like they really know their stuff and are very professional, and I am much more comfortable going there than to my smaller local hospital. I've also heard lots of good things about them.

Good luck and congratulations!