Chase Farm maternity ward - North London

[Bearslikehoneyintheirtummy]

Anyone been/going there to have one?
What have your experiences been?
I had my last one in Watford where I was left sitting in blood and everything else for about 2 hours after the birth because they didnt have enough beds! (mind you it was my 1st so maybe thats normal?)
It all looks a bit shabby to me (north mid looks much nicer!!) but the midwives were quite friendly at my first appointment.

Didn't have the greatest experience overall but some bits were positive. Heard amazing things about the Ridgeway Centre though - so might be worth looking at that.

My friend's first birth there was awful but she had a fab experience the second time. So think its the luck of the draw - like most places.

Thanks Halle - I dont think I can do the Ridgeway because I am under consultant led care. :(

All I can say is make sure you have someone with you because through what I have read they don't sound like the best organised hospital. So try not to go on your own when your baby is ready to be introduced to the world.

Sunshine - my husband will be with me. Just hope it's not too much of an ordeal!

Where do you live I only ask as you say you went to watford last time.

I had my dd 2 years ago at Barnet [ linked to Chase Farm] , could have gone to Watford but didnt want to, as though in Herts ,quicker to get to Barnet. If Barnet is full they send you to Chase Farm. I thought Barnet was very good, I was consultant led to, when you get moved to the ward you are left, but delivery suite was very good.

Hi - I had my son there - (daughter born at the Ridgeway which is fantastic if you can get on there!). Think its like all places, depends on how busy they are, which midwives you get etc. I had an ok experience, some things were bad some were good. But then having a baby is not a particularly pleasant thing to go through anyway esp when its your first and your not really sure whats going on etc! Try not to have any pre-conceived ideas about it, just take it as you find it - you've had a baby before and I think that helps because you know more what to expect. The midwives are lovely (most of them!) - just one thing to note, if you have to be induced they will want to send your hubby home at 8pm (if you are admitted to the Hertford Ward), and two of my friends DH's nearly missed their births because they weren't allowed to stay - I've always maintained that if I am induced either my hubby stays full time or I go home with him!! just be strong and know what you need/want.