Close to a meltdown after just 10 weeks, hospital advice please!!!

[Tangomum21]

I know this has been done do death, but I'm really confused over which hospital to go to, my nearest is Kings in Camberwell, but I'm seeing mixed reviews about public births, unpleasant midwives and poor post natal care.

My partner lives in Hampstead so I think we'd be in the catchment for UCL which I've seen excellent reviews, but I have also read it's extremely busy and you get sent home unless you're well into labour.

I work in the Wharf, so public transport wise, they're both not the most ideal.

I have the following wish list on top of great medical care:

1. To be able to have the option of paying for a private room post birth where my OH can stay with me.

2. Good post natal care, help with breast feeding etc.

This is my first baby and I'm probably the most clueless mother to be so I'd love some advice and hear about anyone's experiences!!

Thanks!!

i am with kings and i have to say they are fantastic. they are a world leading research centre, so you couldnt be in better hands if, god forbid, there were any worries at all. admittedly i havent given birth yet, but i could not recommend them highly enough. they also offer the harmony test free of charge, which is wonderful given its normally 400.
i work in teh city but live in streatham. i think its worth going to them.

and my midwife is very friendly, and is doing her best to make sure i only see her throughout the pregnancy.

Kings all the way. They have hands down the best antenatal care and scanning unit. We are there with our twins after transferring from st Thomas and they've been amazing. I haven't given birth yet but I know post natal wards suffer the same fate everywhere being short staffed. But I feel like I'm in very safe hands knowing I have to have a c section. It depends why care you need really. If all is well and you expect a straight forward delivery choose a hospital with a home from home delivery feel.

Have you looked into having a homebirth? It might resolve some of the issues and your community midwives should be happy to support you with your choice.

Don't get fobbed off with any crap about it not being "right" for your first, either! I am planning a waterbirth at home and this is my first one; the midwives and GP have been great and fully on board with it as I'm low-risk.

I gave birth to my son at Kings 2 years ago and it was great. I had a few problems later in pregnancy, which meant being admitted for 2 weeks, and their care was second to none. They are a teaching hospital and have a leading neo-natal unit so I don't think you'll find better. Birthing pool was also excellent. The only downside post birth was that they didn't really have the time to help me with bf, but that could be because it was incredibly busy (ward was full).

Thank you for all the feedback!! It's v reassuring to hear positive things about Kings.
I've not looked into a home birth as I thought it would be a bit chaotic for a flat, but I will definitely look into it.
I'm just so terrified of a bad birthing experience and having no clue as to what to do with a new born!!!

Imperial has the option of private rooms - don't know if its out of the easy for you though? Its West London mostly for catchment.

Kings have a fantastic home birth team...

I didn't know you had to be in a catchment area?! I just told my dr which hospital I wanted (st marys) and she referred me. I've got at least 4 hospitals that are closer too - I'm in greenford

Don't panic, you don't have to decide now. You can choose one and then change your mind. I would advise you go and look around as well.

Kings def has a catchment area, I read somewhere that it's because it was over subscribed.
I wish Imperial was closer to me, I think it'll take over an hour to get there which is prob not fun in labour!!