Whether you are planning your family or have already started on your journey to parenthood, your maternity care is important. Both mother and baby will need care from the start of the pregnancy right through to post delivery. Finding the right maternity care for you will ensure that you feel confident and relaxed about the birth, meaning you can enjoy such an amazing life event as welcoming your new arrival.
London has the majority of private hospitals and wards offering maternity care in the UK. As everyone is different, so are the options available to you when planning your birth. Broadly speaking, care will fall into two main groups – for those not at risk of complications, there is the option of either midwife-led care or consultant-led care. Those who are at risk of complications may only be able to have consultant-led care.
The cost of care is something which should also be considered and private care costs are calculated differently at each hospital, so make sure you are clear regarding what is included. You also need to be aware of any extra charges you will likely acquire for the care you want to receive.
Each maternity hospital is different and at such an important time in your life, it is important that you feel relaxed, comfortable and reassured by your surroundings. Arranging a visit to a number of hospitals for a tour of their facilities before you commit to a particular hospital is probably a good investment of your time, so that you are sure you have selected the right place for you.
The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington
Famously, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to both Prince George and Princess Charlotte here. They have been overseeing private births for generations of families since 1937. They offer world-class maternity care combined with a personal service for consultant-led births.
The Sir Stanley Clayton Ward at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital
Here they are able to offer both consultant and midwifery-led births. They are able to help with complex births and has a nationally celebrated centre for fetal care, along with the largest neonatal intensive care unit in the country.
The Portland Hospital for Women and Children
Also well known because of the many celebrities who choose to give birth here, the Portland Hospital for Women and Children are well accustomed to providing an individual, bespoke service and accommodating high-security needs. Both Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were born at the Portland. It is one of the top private maternity hotels in Europe and last year BBC Two gave a brief insight into the hospital in a two-part documentary.
They are the only private hospital with an onsite neonatal intensive care unit and they offer both consultant and midwife-led care along with the support of a whole host of paediatric specialists.
The Westminster Suite at St Thomas’s Hospital London
They place a large value on patient experience, choice and an incredibly safe service looking after women. With great clinical outcomes, set against one of the greatest views in London including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster.
The Kensington Wing at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Offer both midwife-led and consultant-led birth services. They also offer the luxury and comfort of private care, with the peace of mind that comes with being in the hands of professionals at one of the UK’s safest hospitals.
The Fitzrovia Suite at University College Hospital
Only provides services for planned cesarean sections.
Once you leave the hospital you may want your private care to continue, a maternity nurse can be a great support to parents on their return home. Or perhaps the support of a Postnatal Doula is more the support you would like. You can read more about the care a maternity nurse can provide here and the care a Postnatal Doula can provide here.