Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital

I had my baby here last year.
I had her in the birth centre and I can truly say that I was treated exceptionally well and looked after by the ladies in the centre.
I was originally booked to have the baby in the maternity ward because I was convinced I would need medical intervention.
After a few hours in the maternity ward (they was one surly lady there) I decided to go to the birth centre because I was fine, the baby was fine and I didn’t need any medical intervention. From having to wait for the labour to progress to birth; from the night before, to the way my husband was made to feel comfortable with the whole process; from the birth to the moment we were discharged with our baby girl; everyone I had looked after me. I can truly say they all made my pregnancy spectacular.
I even had to come back after 3 months for a post-​delivery operation and that too went wonderfully well. The gynaecological team headed by Mr Edmonds was lovely.
I plan to return to Queen Charlotte’s when we decide to have a second baby.
Keep up the good work!

Being an Aussie, I was a little unsure about having my first baby away from home. I hoped I would be accepted into Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital because of the brilliant reputation, but also ironically hoped I wouldn’t need too much help from the highly skilled doctors, as I was wanting a natural and drug-​free labour within the Birthing Centre located on Level 1.
My wish came true in Feb 2009 when I gave birth to my daughter in the Birthing Centre, using the birthing pool to aid contractions, and only using gas & air towards the end of my labour. The staff were fantastic, making sure to read and adhere to my birth plan that I had written and taken along with me. They advised me the best they could in terms of speeding up the labour by walking around, and telling me the best positions to deal with my contractions.
I luckily couldn’t have had a better birthing experience, and only hope they will accept me for the birth of my second baby!

Of course I hold a special place for this hospital, this is were my daughter was born almost a year ago. It is also were I had my first sonogram and was able to see her for the first time inside of me. (welling up)
Through out my entire pregnancy this hospital was like my second home (along with my local GP) I felt comfortable and in knowing hands. Even during my routine blood tests, were I fainted, they were always very helpful and by the third time they had some sweets handy, just in case.
However, I will recommend to those mums to be, that care in the birth centre is so much more specialized and nurturing than in the ward. Of course, that is if you have decided for a natural birth.
The midwives are gentle and understand how scary it can be, and they are there from beginning to end, you feel special. They don’t let you give up.
They are trying to incorporate yoga and visualisation classes as part of the ante natal clinic, which I was a test for, I hope they manage to, I believe it really helps.