Recent experiences of Lewisham Hospital / private side rooms on postnatal wards

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I’m booked for an elective c section at Lewisham Hospital next week and curious to hear any recent experiences, particularly around the postnatal ward and availability of private rooms.

Bit of background: I am highly anxious about the ward - the noise, having to sleep in a room filled with strangers and their partners, people being sick… so really hoping to get a private room. Apparently they available for a fee but not bookable, first come first served. So just luck of the draw, and not sure how often people get lucky?

There weren't any free when I was there but I was also told I wouldn't be allowed to use one anyway due to my risk factors.

So depending on your pregnancy, reason for having a C-section and how you present after the C-section, you may not be allowed one even if there was one free.

Have you had your pre op appointment yet? Best to ask then.

Thank you that’s super helpful. Haven’t had my appointment yet so will ask then, but that makes sense. How did you find the ward? Was it just the one night for you?

It was ok, to the extent that postnatal wards can be. I had one annoying person in the bay beside me but the other two were fine.

Only stayed one night as I wanted to get home and felt ok. I think only one partner stayed over night.

It wasn't crazily loud, but it's very much luck of the draw as to who you end up with, what their babies are like, what your baby is like. I felt DD kept me awake more than anyone else did!

I didn't go to Lewisham but I was also worried about a shared ward. I was in for three days post an assisted delivery (I had preeclampsia in labour and needed to wait until my blood pressure had stabilised before I could go home).

It was totally fine - the other mums were lovely and you're all in the same boat, visiting time is limited so you have quiet nights and there's support around if you need it. I quite liked being looked after and having regular tea / snacks / food brought to me!

I'd still have gone for a private room if there was one available but I was fine on the ward.

Hope all goes well for you xx

There are some thing that you can do to help you feel a bit better even if you don't get a private room:

• I got DH to make me lunch/dinner and we brought it in a little cool box
• pack snacks
• long lead for your phone/tablet charger
• download films/TV programmes (way more than you think you'll need)
• headphones
• large sports water bottle so you can stay hydrated
• pack a toiletry bag assuming you won't get out of bed the first night so, face wipes etc
• I'd also recommend an eye mask