"Very positive experience at the Whittington Birth..."

What I liked

The services provided by the Whittington were excellent throughout my pregnancy. I felt well supported by the community-based midwife and was impressed by the sonographers we met as well. Once I was overdue I was given the opportunity to have acupuncture to encourage labour to start but this wasn't necessary in the end as the baby arrived the following day.

I gave birth to our son at the Birth Centre in May 2012 and had a very positive experience there. The staff were really supportive and encouraged me to have the natural labour and birth I had hoped for. The room we were in was large and comfortable and very clean. Although I hadn't planned on using the pool, the midwife was happy for me to do so. She also kept us fully informed throughout the labour. When there were some minor complications after the baby had arrived the paediatrician and midwife made sure we were included in all decisions about his treatment and removal to the special baby unit. We were encouraged to stay with him and feed him there and we were allowed to stay in the Birth Centre rather than moving to the ward so that my husband could stay the night.

The care I received post-natally was excellent - I had very good support with establishing breastfeeding and we were not discharged until the hospital staff were happy with his feeding and both of our health. The cups of tea and toast didn't hurt either!

Anything else?

The midwives and paediatricians were excellent - really professional but also very friendly and approachable. We were able to ask plenty of questions and to get their advice before taking our baby home. I'd recommend the Whittington highly and want to send a massive thank you to the staff there.