Where to register for homebirth - Thomas's or George's? Post Reply

[pinkpeony]

Hi there

I am looking for some advice.

I am pregnant and due to the speed of my previous labour I am considering a homebirth. I had my other Children at Thomas's and was wondering whether to register with them again or to try St. George's? Does anyone have any experience of the homebirth midwives with either? Thomas's feels nice and familiar and I am a little nostalgic for it because of having my other children there but George's is closer and so maybe I need to be more practical!

Would love some advice!

Many thanks

[BalhamMumWorkingFT]

I had a fantastic homebirth with St. Georges midwives and to be rushed to hospital (pre-cautionary) but would still rate them really really high.

I'd go with your closest hospital as you'll get there faster if there is a problem. PM me if you want more details.

[wendyb]

With my first child I chose St Thomas' (the other choices were St George's and C&W). At my first appointment with the midwife I said I was interested in a home birth and was told that I would have to transfer to the care of St George's for my pregnancy and a home birth as the St Thomas's home birth team didn't take home birth cases outside of Lambeth. That was almost five years ago so may have changed but it's possible that you won't have the same degree of choice for a home birth as you would for a hospital one.

[schoolgatesmum]

I'm pretty sure that Georges has a whole team of midwives dedicated to homebirth so you get to know the midwives really well. I had homebirths with Georges community midwives and they were fantastic (a few years ago before they had the specific homebirth group). Go for it - it can be a fantastic experience.

[Mumbly]

Hi - unfortunately you do not get a choice about which hospital you register with to homebirth in the same way you do with giving birth in hospital. It is allocated according to postcode. So if you're sw4, sw8 it will be Thomas' but if you're sw11, 12, 17, 18 it will be george's. Both are good for homebirth and will readily support your choice.
best of luck!

[amybelle79]

hi there

I had my baby boy at home 6 weeks ago and had a wonderful experience with midwives from st thomas'

If possibly can, try to get registered with the case load team that work out of the clapham family practice. Its a team of 6 midwives who are all lovely - they try to ensure you meet all of them before the big day and do home visits for the last few weeks of pregnancy.

They take women who are registered with the clapham family practice GP as a priority, but if they have space will take other women. They love doing home births but I'd advise you to call them asap. Its the most incredible service, it was great to have such continuity of care and feel so well looked after in my own home.

Good luck!!

[mamabel]

I was registered with the St George's homebirth team for my now 16 week old baby. Known as the Rainbow team - they were great. 3 midwives in the team - I got to know them all during my routine pregnancy checks (which they do at your home). They operate an on call system so it is luck of the draw who comes for the birth but they all seem very experienced and competent.
(unfortunately I didn't get to have the homebirth as baby went so overdue I was induced - totally different from what I planned but a very positive experience with the St George's labour ward midwives too)

[pinkpeony]

Thank you all for your replies. St George's does sound great especially with home antenatal appointments!

Has anyone had a baby at Thomas's and George's and can compare the level of antenatal care?

Thanks again. I am guessing if it comes down to postcode then I won't have a choice but still want to consider all options.

[natalieg2b]

I think it depends where you live but i had a wonderful (unplanned!!) home birth experience with the Valley midwives from Thomas'. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Good luck!