private births

[bigpinkcat]

After countless awful experiences with the NHS im researching the option of going private for the birth of my second child.Has anyone out there previously taken this option? What were your thoughts after?

And can anyone reccomend (from first hand experience) any where that this can happen in the west midlands area?

[noxlumos]

We went private with our daughter who was born 7 years ago, because I was unimpressed with the treatment during my first wife's pregnancies and my second wife had had a terrible experience when she had her son in the 80's. I have to say that I couldn't be happier with the way we were treated and we are going private again with this child (due March). We found the noticeable differences to be that we were treated with the utmost courtesy, listened to, consulted about what our hopes and needs were regarding ante natal treatment and the birth itself.My wife had had a terrible time in 1985 with the birth of her son, with staff being difficult and rude and my experiences of my first wife's deliveries had been negative also so really we felt compelled to go private.We were not living in the Midlands so I'm sorry but we cannot give a personal recomendation as to a location there, but I hope you find what you need. Good Luck.

[Hgrove]

A friend of mine had a home birth with an independent midwife attending her with her third child, now two. (First and second child were born in an NHS hospital). We are in Greater London and it cost �2,500. I believe it was a positive experience. After the birth the midwife helped her into a scented bath with candles - how different from my own NHS experience - rudely told to go and have a bath, only to get into the bathroom to find a sign instructing me to scrub the bath before getting in! If you are interested in this option, be aware that my friend was instructed to stay in bed and rest for a week after the birth, so you need plenty of support - either husband, or relative, or friend to stay with you and look after older child, prepare meals for everyone including new mum etc.

[Hgrove]

Further to my previous message, there is an interesting article in today's Guardian, G2 section, about a new NHS scheme which guarantees that you see the same midwife throughout, for a price. The article gives background information and makes comparisons between this scheme, independent midwives and private births.

[Drusilla]

The private route is fine as long as everything goes according to plan. I would agree that you are made to feel like an individual and the people working with you do seem more relaxed and not working a pregnancy conveyor belt, but if things go wrong, do not expect the same level of emergency expertise you would find in the NHS. Sadly, there are pros and cons to all such decisions.

[bigpinkcat]

Thankyou so much fo your responses. It seems we all share in awful pregnancy and birth experiences at the hands of the NHS, i'm sure cattle sent to slaughter are treated with greater care and dignity than i received! Thanks for the Guardian tip, i'll be sure to get my hands on a copy.

Drusilla- im concerned about your posting, have you had negative experience with a birth in private care?

[Drusilla]

My younger sister's child nearly suffocated in the womb at a private hospital. The young doctor left in charge overnight, without adequate supervision wasn't up to the job in my opinion.

I had the good sense to marry a French citizen and gave birth in French hospitals.

I have to admit I wouldn't want to give birth in one of my local NHS hospitals. It's near Harrow and its maternity ward has a dreadful reputation. You'd be safer at the vets!

[Hgrove]

You may wish to have a look at this website: http://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/

a charity which supports all women who have had a traumatic birth experience.

[GuavaHalf]

I thought I should redress the balance here somewhat. My wife has had two 'NHS' births and could not fault the hospital or the treatment in any way whatsoever. Both births ended in a C-section and the speed and efficiency of the staff was fantastic.