Is there a birthing unit at Chelsea Westminster?

[DivaSkyChick]

anybody?

What do you mean? Can you have a baby there? If so, yes.

Hello, Yes there is a birthing unit at C&W- I used to be a midwife there! It is currently a kind of 'add-on' to the labour ward but is staffed by the same couple of midwives and they keep it low intervention. There is a pool but I don't know if it is in use at present. check with your midwife during pregnancy if you are suitable for the birth unit, and then when in labour make sure you call labour ward to tell them you really want to be in the birth unit or they might put you straight into the LW by default.

Thanks Miss Mille!

Are you still a midwife and if so, where?

I am not working as a midwife at present but setting up in Wales as a pregnancy and postnatal doula, Infant Massage instructor and doing Indian head massage...clearly I wanted to practice more holistically!

Are you making birthplace decisions?

There is. I've had a couple of clients at C&W and the midwives are rather lovely.

Yes MM. C&W is close to my house.

I'm really in the process of figuring out what I want, which requires figuring out what is available and why various techniques are done. I know I need to be flexible but I feel that the more I know, the better positioned I'll be to battle for what I want over what is convenient, etc.

I'm also experiencing a little culture shock, I think.

For instance, I have never in my life heard of someone having to bring their own disinfectant to a hospital. They are supposed to be the most sterile places on the planet. I'm having a hard time with that.

I know a home birth makes great sense but it's my first and I'm scared of the pain and what if there is a complication that puts the baby at risk. I live close but not THAT close. Traffic still sucks.

Hence all the questions. Sorry for the novella, skip over me if I'm getting boring!

Hi DivaSkyChick, been away for a few days so sorry for long reply. Before I ramble on, are you still watching this thread?

Hello Miss Millie,

Yes, I'm still figuring it out. I suppose I will be until I get towards the end and have some idea what options are available to me.

Thanks for your input, I really really appreciate it.

Hi again DSC, Forgive me but I do not log on very frequently but would be happy to answer any of your questions. Please ask away! Have you booked with a midwife yet? are there any apparent issues with your pregnancy that would limit any of your options? Otherwise, what would you like out of your birth experience? It's a shame I don't live closer to you- we could have some sessions together to talk about it all properly