Private hospitals in Berkshire?

[sabrinatheteenagewix]

The recent BBC report of birth trauma deeply resonated with me this week. I too had a horrible experience and when I questioned certain things it felt like it should be tolerated as "normal."

For medical reasons I will need a cesarean for our second birth. I would absolutely dread to go back where we had our first.

Does anyone know of/have any recommendations for a private hospital in or near Berkshire? We may not be able to afford it, but want to explore all options.

Hi,
I can’t recommend any hospitals as I’m not from the area. I just wanted to let you know (you may already be aware) that when I enquired about this it was £17000 (midlands based). They told me that they use the NHS facilities at a local hospital and also have help from the staff. Also they say they will put you in your own room but if there are NHS emergencies you will not be. The only difference is that you get the doctor you have seen throughout to deliver your baby and then you get visits from the private midwives. To me this didn’t seem worth the cost or give me any reassurance. I don’t think private births are what people think they are. Also if anything were to be any complications (touch wood) you get transferred to specialist NHS staff.

I'm based in the Reading area and I'm pretty sure none of the 3 private hospitals in the town offer inpatient maternity care. The last person I know from here who did go private for childbirth went to the Lindo wing at St Mary's, a good 45 mins / hour away.

You're certainly looking at both considerable expense and distance to travel, although this might not be so much of an issue with a planned section.

Big assumption here, so apologies if I miss the mark - was your first child a planned section too ? If it wasn't, then a planned event is less traumatic than an emergency and so this time around things would be better. Again apologies I have no wish to belittle your experience, just trying to give an alternative perspective, especially if you would not be able to afford private care.