Queen Charlotte & Chelsea Hospital

Hiya, I was wondering if anyone knows what the differences are between the Labour Ward at Queen Charlotte & Chelsea and the Birthing Centre? I've been told I will have to have my baby in the Labour Ward but can't find any information online about the facilities there i.e can you have a water birth still? What are the differences? Wondering if anyone has any experience of giving birth in the Labour Ward or has any knowledge. Thanks so much in advance 🙏💓

Show your support

Birthing centre it’s 100% nicer. It’s like a hotel room with a double bed. Doesn’t feel like a hospital in the room really. You can’t go there if your having epidural or medical interventions. The labour ward is like a typical birth ward looks just like a hospital room. Mine was horrible. Was supposed to go birthing centre first time around but have to be induced slightly early so no longer had the opportunity xx

The birthing centre is midwife led so as above you can’t go there if you want an epidural or need medical intervention. The labour ward isn’t awful, the midwives there were great & the room was as good as you’d a room you give birth to be 😂 I don’t know if you still end up on the same postnatal ward, I assume you do. The postnatal ward is a bit naff, the staff aren’t great but with any luck you’re not there long x

@Ellie Thank you! I really wanted a water birth so probably won't be an option in the Labour Ward by the sounds of it. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏

@Madison Thank you so much x

I had my second on labour ward at Chelsea hospital. The difference is that you can have pain meds like the epidural that it’s not available in the birth center and they monitor baby 24/7

It may be worth checking if they have a birthing pool on the labour ward, I gave birth at chelsea and West hospital on the labour ward and there was one room that had a birthing pool - I requested it and managed to get it (I was being induced and wanted a water birth) x

@Melissa Ah great, I didn't realise that, thank you! That's made me feel a bit better 🙏 x

At Chelsea hospital labour ward there are two water birth rooms. So it’s the question of it actually being available when you are there and need it.

i gave birth at st marys (sister hospital) but was with an ob at queen charlottes and given the option to give birth there. they do have pools on the labour ward however they are limited so it is no guarantee - all depends on availability when you arrive X

At Queen Charlotte hospital the labour ward has one room with a birthing pool! If it’s available you’re able to use it.. Just wondering why they said you HAVE to be in the labour ward? It’s ultimately your choice.. unless you plan on having an epidural. I’ve been at both birthing centre & labour ward at Queen Charlotte hospital so message me if you have any other questions xx