Giving birth in London - Kings/Lewisham/Guys & St Thomas's

[elizabethap]

Hi

Sorry for repeating old threads, but would be great to hear from recent mum's on their experiences of giving birth at Kings/Lewisham/Guys & St Thomas's.

I know every experience is different, but I'm contemplating swapping from Kings to Lewisham (I live bang in between the two) and I'm really torn.

I know Kings is outstanding, but I think I'd like to give birth in a midwife-led birthing suite, and I know Kings only offers 2 of these rooms versus 5 at Lewisham. Also looking at Which? it seems that Kings has much fewer beds (9 vs 16) for the same number of babies delivered so I'm really worried about how busy Kings will be (a worry that has been reinforced by some horror stories from friends)

Would love to hear about other people's experiences

AE

I’m with King’s (due in Jan) and think I am going to stick with them as they care there has been good so far!

Reputation-wise both King’s and St Thomas’ are really good. Not sure about Lewisham but a friend gave birth there and said it was ok.

Regarding the birthing centres, my midwife said I could decide while I was in labour where I wanted to give birth (undecided between home and midwife led birthing unit) so I didn’t get the impression it would pose a difficulty.

Best of luck!

On my third baby, at Lewisham. Nothing but positive experiences, although I’ve not been able to use the wonderful birthing centre.

I think you’ll hear horror stories linked to every pregnancy. Post natal care is apparently awful anywhere you go.

Good luck OP.

Following with interest. At Kings for antenatal care and so far v impressed. Worried about busyness too. A colleague just gave birth there and she said it was good but long waits and v v busy so no help from staff especially postnatally. I know it’s possible to request (and pay) for a private room for after the birth, but only if they have one available.

Was at King's in 2016 and 2017. They were brilliant both times. Post-natal as well. Helped massively getting breastfeeding started with DC1 which was a bit of a battle.

@dappledthings good to hear! Did you give birth on the labour ward or MLU? Any tips?

Also with King's in January. Been incredibly impressed with antenatal care so far and have several friends who have given birth there who have nothing but positive things to say about their experiences (well, apart from the pain of pushing a baby out obviously! 😂)

Labour ward both times. Was induced with DC1 and with DC2 it was coming up to 24 hours after my waters had broken and I might have had to go on the drip if I wasn't progressing (avoided that one) so MLU was never an option

I gave birth in Lewisham

They were absolutely lovely, very attentive and took great care of me and baby. The midwives and anesthetist who cared for me in labour made a point of coming to visit us on the ward the next day to say hello to the little one and congratulate us

I wanted the birthing centre but baby arrived before I applied! I do know somebody who used it and they said it was a fantastic unit. Very homely and not at all hospital like.

I'm pregnant again and will be sticking with Lewisham :-)

Another one here expecting to go to King’s in January! So far I am impressed with the care I’ve had and I have heard good things about King’s. Have you looked on the East Dulwich Forum?

Hi King's people! Are you considering the midwifery led unit? I'm undecided and now I'm hoping I can get a space there in light of what the OP has said...

I went to the water birth talk last week at Kings and they showed us round both midwife led suites. They were able to do so because they are rarely used!

I’d go to the water birth talk at Kings and see if Lewisham does any tours and make your decision based on that.

X

@hungryN are they rarely used because they are closed due to lack of staff, or lack of demand?

@nightmanagerfan good question!

@hungryN how did you find out about the talk?

Really useful to know. As it’s underused, do you know if that means they don’t always have midwife available or rather that’s it more likely to be available?

@nightmanagerfan @elizabethap
Rarely used due to lack of demand so they are more likely to be available! It really surprised me but good news for me come November!

@Pelly8 they do talks twice a month I believe. Details are on the Kings maternity website page.

Thanks @hungryN and good luck for November!

Lewisham birthing centre does tours. You have to be 37 weeks and low risk.
Well, that was the case two years ago at least. This time around I need a CS so not sure what the criteria is.

I actually emailed and they suggested a tour even though I’m only 15 weeks so I think there’s no strict criteria anymore. I’m just gonna rock up anyway!

Ah that’s good to know. I’ve had a tour there and it was lovely. Such a shame I’ve not been able to use it.