Just found this - it was probably my thread you found in 2005 when I was prg with dd! I was mcmudda then
I'm now (just) pg with no3 and will definitely be going back to the Princess Royal.
The only hassle I had in '05 was the lack of parking - the car park hadn't been built then and you had to park in the cathedral car park. We got a ticket once for being 5 mins over time when I went in for a sweep
Anyway - I thought the staff were fab, the hospital itself was clean,clean, clean and after having ds in Watford General which was hell on earth, I really thought I'd gone to maternity heaven
The rooms only have 4 beds in them with your own toilet and shower - no tramping up and down the corridor in your nightie.
The dining room was basic, but ok food and a TV and magazines.
The thing I was most impressed with was the level of breastfeeding support that was offered. I'm surprised that others didn't find that. But then Watford was evil so maybe I've only got that to compare to!!
I'd struggled to feed ds without pain(got there in the end) and so was determined to start well with dd and I got loads of great support - especially on the night when my milk came in - the longest night!!! I do think sometimes you have to pester for help - I was more confident because dd was my second. THey are busy, but are very keen to help - they have a UNICEF baby friendly award.
Unfortunately of the 4 mums in my room, I was the only one who left breastfeeding, but I honestly think they'd made their decision long before they gave birth. The help and advice was so reassuring and encouraging but then their families came in for visiting and all (without exception) said just give them a bottle.
The midwives were brilliant and very up to date - ie - no bubble bath for newborns (that was fiarly recent advice at the time.)
Visiting for families was great (and quite flexible if you asked very nicely).
Just try to keep a straight face when you walk past all the heavily pregnant mums chain smoking at the entrance.