"Fantastic prenatal care"

I started my maternity care in Sept 23 and delivered in March 24. I self referred from another London borough. My first delivery was a tough experience with large blood loss and I wanted to make sure I'm choosing the best professionals available in case of complications this time round.

Pre natal service was great. Appointments were booked for me and notifications were sent well. Ahead of time. I never had to wait long when I came to the appointments. Everyone was very attentive, respectful and nice. Referrals were processed quickly too. I have been referred to obstetrician team right away due to previous problems.OBs were very good and I felt my case was really looked and and considered individually rather then just getting " by the book" responses (which was the case in Royal London Hospital during my first pregnancy).

All the appointments and test results were visible online too.

I ended up having a planned c section, medically recommended, and decided to opt for it. The doctors took time to explain risks clearly as well. As risks of alternative options. On the day everything was very smooth. Staff at the theatre was excellent. I has some minor complications which were dealt with quickly too. Immediate Post op room and service very good too, I felt well looked after and safe.

Post natal ward experience was worse but still good. The shared room was uncomfortably hot. The ward felt understuffed too, most prominent evidence of it was a very long time to get discharged, nearly 24th after doctors gave green light.

I had relatively easy recovery time, no complications for either myself or baby and I established breastfeeding very quickly so I felt a bit "neglected" but other ladies in the shared room were getting more specialist support / care as per their needs.

Midwife led part of the Discharge was very long, nearly 24h after the doctors signed off which was very frustrating.