What's your experience of Chelsea & Westminster?

[Magnolia36]

Hi there - this is my first posting but I've been reading mumsnet for a while now and find it really informative!
Im due to have my first baby at the Chelsea & Westminster hospital in London in July - has anyone had any experience of this hospital they'd like to share? Or tips on how to survive? (I'm not sure if this is a good thing to do as I don't want to scare myself with horror stories - but what the hell??!).
Many thanks!!

Hi Magnolia
i'm also having my first baby at the C+W in July. My due date is the 17th.
there are mixed reports of the hospital -the labour care seems to get a good write up but there are a lot of complaints about the post natal ward. You can do a tour of the maternity unit, if you haven't already, and you will see the post natal ward is pretty big and very little privacy and it looks fairly run down.
On the plus side apparently they've never had a case of MRSA there (touch wood!!!). As far as I know the only birthing pools are in the birthing unit (which is separate to the main bit and midwifery led) which is another downside. I'm not sure if you're allowed to bring your own, as you are in some hospitals.
I have found the antenatal care okay so far though the receptionists are pretty rude and I've yet to see the same midwife twice - different one each time.So much for one woman one midwife -can't see them achieving that particular government promise by the target time!

just re-read my message and think it sounds too negative!
I reckon it's at least as good as any other hospital in London and most probably better. Queen Charlotte's is supposed to be the leading place expertise wise but apparently you can wait four hours for your appointments and I must say C+W usually seems to be near enough on time....

I think I recently read that they have a gorgeous new birthing pool and it's like being in a spa.

I've had clients there and it's okay.

Hi there - many thanks for replying! I think I'll be able to have a look round before July - and I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed it all goes okay!
PS good luck Izzzie for July too!

No advice or tips magnolia, but my wife is expecting to have twins at C&W hospital in August, so v interested in what others have to say.

The receptionist in ante-natal is something else isn't she. We reckon she's the inspiration for Little Britain's "Computer Says No" sketch...

Both my boys were born there - in 2003 and 2005.

I had 2 fantastic midwives during my labours. They were friendly, professional, competent, supportive, knowledgeable, everything I needed really! And I wanted a pool the first time and got it (although sounds like arrangements may have changed because I certainly wasn't in a separate birthing unit, just the main labour ward).

Postnatally you were just left to it, whih with your first can be daunting, but when I did ask for specific help or (in the middle of the night!) a chat and a cup of tea, they were very forthcoming.

I hope the antenatal classes are still run by the WONDERFUL Marianna(sp?). Make sure you go to them, and get people's names and numbers at the last class because they organise them acording to locality so you get to meet some people who live really close to you.

Hope this helps, and good luck!