East Kent Maternity News

[honeychild23]

Any expectant mothers giving birth in East Kent? We moved to Thanet area 6 months ago and are really shocked by the national news highlighting the care of expectant mothers and new born babies.

Had the worst night sleep last night thinking about it and the kind of care we will receive. DH has been looking into private care but this is way way wayyyy out of our budget.

Great to hear and have support from any locals in the same boat.

I'm due in June and had the option of either QEQM or Ashford. I've decided to go with Ashford is this an option for you?

Oh no I was never given the option! I'd Ashford much better?

I gave birth in QEQM September and they were amazing! I started in midwife led buy had to transfer to labour. My labour wasn't as smooth as I had hoped for but they were quick to respond, kept me reassured and both me and my baby are fit and healthy. The only negative was help with breastfeeding but after speaking to others it's clear most hospitals don't have the skills to offer full breastfeeding support.

I was horrified reading about what happened and my heart goes out to the people involved. You never hear about successful births only the ones that go wrong.

When I say my labour wasn't as smooth it was not due to the staff or the hospital by the way. I realised after posting it was worded badly

I'm due in July and chose Ashford as well, I live in Canterbury. I know one of te midwives at QEQM and she is great. It is scary and absolutely awful to read but if anything one would hope they will be more on their game now this has been highlighted. X

I gave birth at QEQM last year and had fantastic care. The midwives and doctors were brilliant and I felt really looked after.
When are you due? Nearer your due date you could visit both QEQM and William Harvey and see if you feel more reassured?

I've chosen Ashford as they have a more advanced NICU, they also have more birthing facilities e.g. more pools for water births. My sister gave birth at QEQM and had no complaints!

Is a home birth an option? I don't live in the area but had a home birth with my son and am planning the same again this time. I had 2 midwives with me throughout and felt relaxed, in control and at easy in my home environment.

It's absolutely your choice where you give birth so see if there's any other units near you that you'd prefer. Go and visit too. You may get a good feeling for one or another. Just don't go too far in case DP has to travel to & fro!

If it’s any reassurance, the very high profile matters of the case should mean that there is a lot of attention and a lot of resources dedicated to improving things very quickly from now on.

I had my baby in December at Ashford, I can't comment on the QEQM as I've never been but I understand your worries. I saw the report last night and straight away said I wouldn't go near the QEQM for any future babies.

I agree with the previous posters, visit the hospitals and get a feel for what they can offer and what will suit your birth plan. The staff in the MLU and labour ward in Ashford were amazing although the after care and breastfeeding support wasn't great - some of this was because they were busy and short staffed which was just unfortunate.

Just keep in mind that it could be taken out of your hands - whilst we were in Ashford they became full and closed the labour wards and had an automatic divert to QEQM.

Good luck!

I had my daughter at the QEQM in 2017 and can not fault my treatment. I didn't have a straight forward birth but at no point did I feel panicked or worried that they weren't totally on top of the situation. The aftercare was excellent too (better than my GP who was useless).

I have just had a c section at the QEQM and so far, again, I cannot fault them.

I feel so sorry for the staff who are working really hard and doing their best. It's so hard because the failings are awful and I cannot imagine how the families feel but from a personal experience, I have been happy to use them for all of my antenatal care and for the births.

Thank you for all the advice everyone.

I think after the bad news breaking they can only be more vigilant in their care. Just will have to make sure any gut feelings I have are attended to and acted on - not going to get palmed off so easily if I feel something isn't right!