Homerton Hospital East London - Experiences?

[Aubergenie]

I'm thinking of changing from my current hospital to Homerton, which is also pretty close. The main reason is that my local has suspended all home births but also because I've heard some pretty awful stories about it (although all the staff have been lovely each time I've been).

I'm hoping to have a home birth, but as it's my first baby I'm fully aware that there is a big chance I will have to transfer.

Before I take the plunge I just thought I'd find out what people's recent experiences have been at Homerton.

Thanks!

I'm due to give birth in August at the Homerton and can't fault them so far at all, the most impressive thing is the maternity helpline you can call (just google Homerton Maternity Helpline). They have been really helpful so far, not sure what to expect with the birth but so far, really reassuring, caring and immediate with care. I'm very grateful.

I'm due to give birth at Homerton in 3 weeks (with my first) and have been impressed with the facilities and care so far. The Midwife-led unit looks fantastic.

I was also more impressed with the NHS antenatal classes than I thought I was going to be. Was expecting them to be a bit indifferent, but I thought the midwife giving them was excellent, unbiased, informative, human etc. Very positive about active birth, water birth etc, and seemed up to date on latest research, but also very pragmatic and clear that our decisions and comfort are paramount and that it's not her job to be dogmatic or tell us what to do.

Also have had to be closely monitored for last few weeks due to pregnancy-induced hypertension and they've been great. Much better than my GP, whose only contribution was to lose my blood test results then go on holiday without telling me. By contrast, the midwives on the helpline tracked them down and called me back within 5 minutes when I rang up not sure what to do.

My only complaint so far is that I've never seen the same midwife twice but, to be honest, I didn't really expect to and I'm not sure I would at any (London?) hospital.

Glad you started this thread as am at the Homerton for the long haul but haven't actually been there yet. Had a very bad experience with a receptionist over the phone without even stepping foot in the place and it scared me right off. Almost transferred out to the Whittington but stayed as another member of staff I spoke to made me feel very at ease and helped with the issue I was having. Have my first scan appointment on Wednesday morning so will update if there is anything to mention.

Midwives I have spoken with seem lovely but I have heard it's their post natal care that is not great, but isn't that the case everywhere?

SF1102 I am so sorry about your LO, thank you for sharing that story so others like myself are more aware.

Homerton's my local hospital and I had a great homebirth via their team in early 2010. I'm also a doula so have had a chance to experience the birth centre and the labour ward. Like all hospitals it isn't perfect but overall I've found them to be responsive, interested in feedback (both positive and negative) great delivery and antenatal facilities. Postnatal facilities aren't brilliant but they do have a couple of siderooms you can hire for £70.

I've got 2 Homerton birth stories on my site (a birth centre and a homebirth) www.hackneydoula.co.uk which give a pretty realistic picture.

Continuity of care-wise if any of you are thinking about a homebirth that will ensure you see the same midwife for each appointment (unless she's on holiday/sick) and you'll have her phone number.