Any recent experiences of Homerton Hospital vs. Whittington

[user1467718508]

Morning all

25 weeks pregnant with my first, and would be grateful to hear of any recent(ish) experiences of the Homerton hospital for antenatal/labour/postnatal care.

I've found lots online - including a thread on here - but none of it recent.

I'm currently with the Whittington and v.impressed so far, but the journey time is casting doubts and playing on my mind.

We're Stoke Newington/Clapton border and it's a hellish journey to Archway by both public transport and taxi, whereas the Homerton is a 10 minute taxi ride and seems like the obvious choice, were it not for the negative history.

All advice (including experiences of 30+min taxi rides during labour!) gratefully received.

Hopeful bump?

Hiya @user1467718508, wondering what you decided? Im considering Whittington also (but now live in Walthamstow so Whips Cross is closer), but im also considering Homerton aswell. Thanks!

Congrats on the pregnancy 🤗

In the end I had a handful of appointments at the Whittington and then switched to Homerton after my 20 week scan.

My experience of the Whittington was limited, but I have 2 x friends who've birthed there and give it glowing reports (one had acupuncture during labour!!).

Re: Homerton. I had a positive experience overall. My prenatal appointments were thorough and reassuring and I saw the same couple of midwifes throughout. We were seen really quickly the few times we went in for reduced movements.

I felt safe and well looked after during labour, despite having lots of unavoidable interventions and an EMCS. Throughout I felt like the choices were properly explained and I was ultimately in control.

The aftercare was also great.

My one slight negative would be that they seemed to be running at capacity whilst we were there. We had to wait for a room on the labour ward and were discharged within 24 hours of having the c section.

Apparently it was an unusually busy time for them though, so it may not always be like that (when we viewed the birthing center a month prior, it was completely empty!).

Bit of an essay for you there...

In summary, Homerton felt much more familiar and comforting for me, and I'd birth there again without hesitation.

My advice would be to go for the one you can get to easiest - genuinely that was what decided it for us.

Sorry, should have @ you, @mazmc83

Thank you @plantingandpotting, that's been really helpful! I've gone with Homerton because it's location is closer that UCLH or Whittington and you've made me feel at ease! Also bumped into a friend who had a cesarean there and she was happy with them also.

Thanks again!