"Excellent care at Birth Centre, NICU and post natal wards."

I gave birth in May 2010 in the birth centre where the facilities and staff were excellent - the room was like a hotel room, I delivered in the birthing pool supported by two calm, kind and highly professional staff who then handed over to another excellent midwife who helped me (stitches) and the baby. We received especially good and thoughtful treatment when my new baby (delivered in the birthing pool) was found to have an infection (which the midwife picked up) and would need to go to the neonatal unit.

In NIGU again we found the staff excellent and can vouch for that quality of care 24/7 as I often found myself wandering down the ward to see my new baby at all hours of the day and night. I was, thankfully, given a separate room in the post-natal ward (their policy when possible for mothers separated from their babies) and supported through a difficult time establishing breast feeding when not with my baby all the time - the midwives and nursery nurse were always busy but made the time to talk when I needed to and answer any questions and assist me with new baby care when my baby eventually joined me in my room.

I should also mention the maternity day unit staff were very good, doing all they could to help bring on my labour (sweep, acupuncture etc.) as I had expressed concern to them about being induced which wasn't required - I am sure - due to their help.

I would not hesitate to recommend the maternity services at the Whittington - they can get very busy and occasionally under-staffed but the quality of nurses and midwives seems to make up for this.