"Fantastic birth at Whipps"

I gave birth to my first child in the Lilac suite at Whipps late last year. Before the birth both my husband and I were concerned about the care we would receive due to some patchy reviews of the maternity services and the hospital in general. Community antenatal care through my pregnancy was okay, sufficient. Although I never saw the same midwife twice the service was accessible and the free antenatal classes were excellent. The whole system seemed a little disjointed however and so we did have some concerns about the birth. We live in an area previously served by King Georges and had no choice but to deliver at Whipps. However it was a fantastic experience and we couldn't have asked for better care. I had a natural birth in the lilac centre. The midwives were kind and supportive. They took expert cafe of me and my baby during our stay. Particular attention was paid to my birth plan and I felt really supported and looked after. The facilities are basic (no water bath was available) but the hospital is now having to care for thousands of extra patients from across east London and is doing the best they can. I was really pleased with the care I received and wanted to reassure others who will be giving birth at Whipps as people always post a review when they have a bad experience but not always when they have a positive experience. In addition I want to highlight the wonderful service provided by the Redbridge infant feeding team. On my second day at home with my baby I was struggling to breast feed. My midwife referred me to the team and I called to ask for advice. My midwife gave me the number at 11am, I called at 11.30 and by 12 noon a lactation consultant was on my doorstep. I was given expert support with feeding my baby, I was also able to borrow a hospital grade breast pump. The consultant stayed in touch with me until breastfeeding was fully established a few weeks later. I felt really supported and was able to do the best thing for my baby. People do down the NHS but I thank god for the services provided during my pregnancy and birth, I couldn't fault it.