Which hospital to choose- C&W, St George’s or St Thomas’s (London)?

[mOmShanti]

Hi all, I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on which hospital is the best to choose for giving birth. I’m equidistant between St Thomas’s, St George’s and Chelsea and Westminster, and so I’m not sure which to choose! Any advice gratefully received! Xx

Bumping for you x

I'd start by looking on each of the hospitals websites to see what maternity services they offer, and what level (if any) of NICU they have. I know the Royal London, for example, have a nurse led unit, but its within the main hospital, so an option if you are lower risk, but what the reassurance that you are in the hospital if things go amiss.
There are also reviews of hospitals online, but hopefully others with 1st hand knowledge of their maternity services will reply.
(Currently having IVF at Guys, which is affiliated with St Thomas and so far they seem good).

@caffeinefix thank you!

@elouera thank you that’s a great suggestion. I wish you the very best xx

The postnatal ward at St Thomas' was pretty grim. The bed I was allocated had a bloodstain on it and they forgot one lot of my meds so I had no pain relief between 6pm and the morning, after a forceps delivery. Ouch!

The postnatal ward at St Thomas' was pretty grim

I might be wrong, but aren't all postnatal wards pretty grim? That does sound especially bad though I've got to admit!

@mizzles Oh no! that sounds rough. Thank you for the info, was this recent?

@wondering7777 from what I’ve heard and read on line so far, yes the word grim is probably the most common word!

I'm under St George's, but for IBD not maternity.
I really like the hospital, the only thing I find is that it is always SO hot in there. My friend is there for her maternity and so far is happy.

These were my choices when I had dd 5 years ago. I chose c and w as it was closest to my work. I had a good experience.
Most people in the area seem to choose st Thomas’ but I didn’t really get a great feeling when I visited due to a complication very early on, it’s so big and a bit intimidating.
Good luck with which ever you choose.

@Amichelle84 yesss that’s true it can be very hot. I’m coming to the opinion that no hospital is ever a great experience!

@Dinosaursdontgrowontrees yes, I know what you mean about ST T.... mmmm it seems like it’s almost the luck of the draw as to the experience in hospital, as a close friend of mine has told me she had an awful time when she gave birth at C&W 🤦‍♀️ Bit of a Minefield this decision!

Not St George. Dreadful postnatal and indeed birth experience entirely to do with terrible staff.

Not C&W if you're equidistant between those - stick on same side of the river.

The medical differences between the big London hospitals are not that great.

I'm under St Thomas's and have been seriously impressed. The level of care I've had has been fantastic and I really love the fact that my treat me as an adult who is capable of making my own decisions and they have respected my wishes in a number of areas where I know other people have struggled with their hospitals. I've found it surprisingly empowering.

Tbh I think all post natal wards are grim.

@Shannith oh gosh, ok, I was starting to opt for St G as I’m very familiar with it! Ive was a birthing partner for two friends there in the past (almost 10yrs ago!) and it was fine for both. But because it was a long time ago I’m not relying on those experiences 😕

@SquirmOfEels yes, probably wise to stay south for convenience sake. And indeed I’m starting to sense the differences aren’t great.

@squee123 ahh ok that’s important. I’m quite worried about being told I have to give birth laying on my back for example it seems wholly unnatural...😬

That said there’s a high chance I’m going to have to have a caesarean due to a condition I have ☹️😞

they have a great midwife-led birth centre at St Thomas's so you have the option of that if you like but the theatre and NICU are also right on hand if you need them. I find that really reassuring

even with a c-section I've found them very helpful and open to my views. I might have to have one myself and for example they are prepared to respect my request not to have antibiotics until after baby is out. There is a slight increase in the risk of infection for me, but benefits for baby in terms of its gut health and that is a decision that feels right for me. I was pleasantly surprised that they were prepared to be flexible about this.

I've just given birth at chelsea and westminster because I am high risk (heart condition).
Exceptional care! Midwives were amazing. Postnatal care was outstanding too, they listened when I said I was anxious and gave me a side room. Also made sure I had a postnatal follow up booked in.
Can't recommend them enough.
They also have artwork in the labour rooms that helps with visualisation techniques during labour

I had a great time (relatively speaking!) at St Thomas. I had a private room in the "home from home" unit (I guess the midwife led unit?).

More (?) importantly than the actual day of labour, the ante and post natal care was really good. See if you are eligible for the Community Caseload midwifery teams; they do all your antenatal visits at home, including blood, urine and Doppler visits. And you have same midwife all the way through (and after).

I think eligibility depends where you live.

Not sure if other hospitals have the same scheme, when I gave birth a few years ago now it was only St Thomas' but that could have changed.