"Really professional with a personal touch"

My husband and I were so impressed with Northwick Park Midwife lead unit. It was 34 degrees and they had no spare rooms when we arrived, despite this they didn't give up, and after waiting a little while the member of staff managed to sort me out a room in the midwifery unit that I had hoped for with a birthing pool. She also gave me the choice of staying in the delivery suite. Even under so much pressure the midwives endeavoured to make our birth plan go to plan. I was gutted that I was only two cm dilated as I was having constant, unrelenting contractions so they tried thier best to work with me at a very busy time. I eventually got up to the midwifery unit and laboured there. I was in so much pain and didn't think I could do it but they kept on telling me i could and helped me deliver naturally like I had wanted, with the support of an excellent student midwife.

They knew instinctively how to help me at my weakest and most frightened moments.

Afterwards I had trouble breast feeding and we received so much support, we had to stay an extra night which I was upset about but in hindsight it was the best thing we could have done. Our baby girl has managed to maintain weight with breast feeding due to the help from the midwives. Other midwives checked on us constantly and also offered support. We didn't feel any judgment only understanding and a willingness to help.

It's a shame to see such poor reviews. It's a busy hospital and an older hospital so waiting and the hotter temperatures can't be helped. We think that the midwives try thier hardest under tough conditions and it's important to have realistic expectations.

Will be back next time.