The new maternity unit in UCLH

[Izabel]

Hi there, Does anyone know when it open next year? I mean the EGA wing. Thank you.

I'm not sure they know yet. I'm having my baby (in the next 2 weeks hopefully!) at UCH in the old building and at one of my antenatal appointments the midwife was saying that they're at the stage where they're choosing paint colours but they're still not sure where everything is going to go ! It didn't sound like they had a definite timetable!

Thanks MissBumpy. Good luck. Did they tell you how long you can stay in the hospital once you give birth? I cannot imagine to feel like moving after just couple of hours after labour.

When I went on the labour ward tour I was told that 1st time mums stay in for 24 hours (unless they desperately want to discharge themselves) but mums who've done it all before only stay for 6 hours unless there's a problem.

But then in one of the antenatal classes we were told by a different midwife that everyone stays in for 6 hours (unless there's a problem). Not sure who's right...I guess I'll be finding out in the next few days/weeks! I'll let you know!

PS. Be warned, I've been told that post-natal care is rubbish in all London NHS hospitals. They just don't have the resources to spend time with mums and babies once the main event is over. So I'm not expecting anything great at UCH.

Miss Bumpy, I wish you a very pleasant and caring nurse on the post-natal.They must exist somewhere! I am a bit stressed about the post-natal because of breast feeding. I really want to breast feed but will probably feel uneasy to ask for help twice if unpleasant response follows.

Thanks. I know what you mean Izabel but try not to worry. From what I've heard, it's not that the midwives are mean or rude...it's just that they're a bit busy and stressed.

One good thing about the birthing centre at UCH is that you are supposed to get 1 midwife to each woman (as opposed to 1 midwife to every 2 women in the labour ward) so I'm hoping that I'll get a bit more support. There are also all sorts of breastfeeding support groups, helplines, and classes. In fact, UCH runs a breastfeeding workshop which you can attend before and/or after you've had the baby. Royal Free probably runs something similar.

Keep an eye out for my birth announcement in the next few weeks and you'll find out exactly how good or bad UCH turns out to be!

I gave birth at the birth centre in december. Had 1 midwife and then another came in at the end (one for mum and one for baby - just incase) - standard procedure. Everything was fantastic - ended up in room in birth centre with en suite bathroom and was home by lunch time (baby born in wee hours). Couldn't fault it. At all.

Thanks again. Lucky you.