Northwick Park Hospital - someone tell me something good

[RedKennedy]

Hi
Im due to give birth at Brent birthing centre and the should anything happen I would get transfered to Northwick Park in Harrow. But you cant have an epidural at the birthing centre and as the day dawns (4 weeks to go) and more and more people tell me Im mental not to have the option of pain relief, im wondering if I should go for the hospital birth instead.

Its just Northwick Park has such a bad rep (well 10 maternal deaths betwene 03-05 says it all really) and its not particularily close to my house (45 mins at least)that Im starting to worry.

Anyone else given birth there?

Thanks ladies xx

Hmmm, thats not very reassuring. Bummer.

RK didn't want to let your post go unanswered, I haven't any experience or knowledge of Northwick park to offer I'm afraid.
Having said that, I think that the accepted wisdom is that you're less likely to plump for the heavy guns of pain relief when in a more relaxed environment such as a birthing centre. I'm sure someone will come along and correct this if it's wrong.

I'm not a sandal wearing lentil weaaver ;) but it is possible to think that you'll need all the pain relief under the sun (like I did) and end up not having any out of choice (like I did)- not because I'm super human but because although it was tough, it was not anywhere near as devastating as I thought it was going to be. There are a couple of lovely positive birth stories threads around, have a read through and you'll feel a bit better I'm sure!

Good luck with th new baby when he/she finally arrives.

Hi
I work in Harrow and had a crash so went to Northwick Park Delivery to get checked out. From what I saw and experienced the staff were friendly and it was clean. They should let you have a look round if you are seriously considering going there. That way you can decide whether you will feel comfy delivering there or not.
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