Private room in Watford general/ not the best midwife Experiance

They do have private rooms, I was put in one after I gave birth, although I doubt they can rely on it. They may have to use them for infection control etc. and that might take priority! You can but ask. I didn’t have a great experience at Watford personally but know others that did. I’ve gone elsewhere for second pregnancy!

So sorry to hear this - Have you thought of making a complaint to PALS? If they are answering your questions in such a way then that’s really unfair. No question should be met with bluntness or rudeness. It’s your body, your birthing choices and your baby. With regards to private rooms, I gave birth in 2021 and requested the ABC Suite. These are private rooms and my partner was allowed to stay the entire time. It had a bathroom and everything we would’ve needed. When you call them once you’ve gone into labour you can ask to go there, but can also include it as part of your birthing plan too 💕

@Kate oh that’s so interesting, I haven’t heard the best reviews ☹️ I just feel a bit anxious as it’s my first and could just do with a bit more information/reassurance

Keep pushing your midwife for answers, they should be available to talk and give you advice! How far along are you?

Sorry to laugh but that’s ridiculous they haven’t answered your questions!! When you give birth, you will always have a private room!! Whether you are in the birthing centre or labour ward. Post birth, you may be in a shared ward, that’s quite common. Curious of the name of your midwife as I had a similar experience with my first and basically all questions shunned until 36 weeks. In hindsight I guess you don’t really have options if you go into labour before 36 weeks because they are premature and will be doctor led. But no one explains that so you’re just left not knowing! As long as you have no complications and you are not requesting an epidural, then when you go into labour, request the birthing centre (ABC unit) where usually you can stay in a private room with en suite post birth.

@Kate 28 weeks so third trimester now! Hence why I’m asking more questions 🤣

Remember that you can switch hospitals if you’re unhappy. I’ve heard great things about Barnet

@Rosie yeah I just don’t feel taken seriously? Yes it all feels shunned!! I even asked about colostrum as I’m starting to leak, and was told there’s nothing to be done until 36 weeks. I just always feel a bit silly for asking!! Ok so the ABC unit seems like the best bet then? And I’m sure if there are any complications there doctors are on hand? Thank you, you’ve made me feel more at ease!!!

@Victoria exactly! The ABC unit is second floor and labour ward on 3rd floor so really no need to worry about transfer of care should you need it.

@Rosie thank you so much!!!

They don’t have private rooms, but if you stay more then 2 days they will move you in one of those. If you don’t stay longer they will keep you with the others. I stayed longer, as my baby was on antibiotics. You got your own room on ABC centre if you are low risk and you want to give birth with midwife.

You can always phone the hospital and ask them. Apparently stoke Mandeville take payments for a night in a private room post birth if they are available(infection control takes priority). I gave birth in 2021 and side rooms were only for those who were covid positive in the post birth ward, I'm due in under 6 weeks and my midwife said she'd find out for me and let me know, crossing my fingers she has an answer next appt, can always let you know what she says🤞 x

They do have them - I didn’t have a choice & had to be put in one of them 10yrs ago after my second child - then got a nice bill through the door 1 month later.

Just had my baby in March at Watford general and I was denied for a private room as it is reserved for COVID mums

@Bhavika was that on the labour ward or the ABC? X

I think most labour ward/birth centre rooms are private it’s the postnatal ward where it’s bays

@Victoria hey hun, that was in the Labour ward and after care ward x

I requested a private room in 2022 for post C-section care. But they were not available, only for covid infected mothers only. I am due Nov this year and really want to book a room…. I was awake 56hours straight on the noisy bright ward which didn’t help recovery at all!

I’ve had both of my sons at Watford general. They do have private rooms, but I was told that they can’t be pre-booked and it just depends if any are available on the day. I opted to have both of my kids at the ABC and it was basically like having a private room there - our own room with a pull out bed for my husband, and our own bathroom The midwife I had when expecting my eldest was very blunt and not overly helpful, but the one I had when expecting my youngest was just lovely! Unfortunately she doesn’t deliver babies only does the antenatal care, but after he was born she happened to be on shift so came up on her break and had a cuddle with him and helped me have a shower which was so nice of her because she didn’t have to!

Hey, so many different variables here, for example you might actually be able to leave hospital the same day that you birth so it doesn't really matter! Everyone births and spends the first few hours in their own birthing room. If you do stay longer, the ward does have a few private rooms but it's my understanding that they go to those who medically need it as a priority but if one is available then you can pay for it so it's not something that you can book in advance and will just have to see at the time. Sorry that your midwife isn't very helpful. You should never be made to feel like can't ask anything that you want.