Lewisham or Darent Valley hospital?

Darent valley was amazing! We moved just in time for baby to be born at Darent valley as my few experiences at Lewisham were horrific. My friend gave birth at Lewisham hospital last Feb and she was left to labour for 5 hours without being checked on once until her husband kicked up a fuss. Every midwife/doctor involved in my labour at Darent valley were incredible and I still keep in touch with one of the midwives. I gave birth in May last year x

Oh wow that is concerning. Did you use the birthing centre at Darent?

10000% darent valley!

My problem with Darent is it’s a nightmare to get to on public transport especially if I had to come from work in east london. I don’t drive so I’d have to rely on my husband to take me which isn’t ideal for every appointment.

@Lola have you had experiences at both?

I started out there and it was super relaxing and a great atmosphere. The staff were also great, one of the midwives came to find me on the labour ward to check on me as she didn’t get to delivery my baby in the end . I gave birth on labour ward as I had some complications but again 10/10 experience

@Eimear where do you live? On the days you have appointments your work should allow you to have the day off to go to your appointment itsa legal requirement so you wouldn’t have to worry about coming from work.

Ah I see, that’s good to know.

@Eimear I just had my first baby at darent valley and honestly the midwives I cannot fault them. I know people who have had their baby at Lewisham hospital and mixed reviews. You can try Lewisham to begin with and then transfer to darent valley at a later point during your pregnancy if you change your mind. Generally if your pregnancy is deemed low risk you won’t have that many appointments at the hospital, only your 12, 20 & 30+ week scan,and gestational diabetes test. All your other appts will probably be in the local community with the community midwives, unless you end up having consultant led care then you’ll have more at the hospital.

@Eimear depending on where you live you could also consider St Thomas’ if it’s not too far from you as that may be easy to travel to from work but again check your maternity leave policy because they should give you the day off (paid) when you have appointments.

Darent valley! Lewisham birth centre was closed when it came time to give birth which was disappointing as I was like you, thinking they looked really nice. I was fortunately able to go to Darent and they were wonderful. Would definitely choose to use them for my whole pregnancy if I could do it again

I have actually made a referral to st Thomas but not sure if they’ll accept me, I’m about a 45 min drive from there

i’m at darent valley and they have been absolutely amazing, i’ve been to triage numerous times for reduced movement and the team are so so lovely, i can’t recommend them enough midwives are amazing and consultants as well. just been an overall amazing experience so far! i had to go to lewisham for an appointment and it was awful, they took my blood test in a corridor standing up, not friendly at all. horrendous xx

I had both my girls at lewisham and can’t fault them at all. One vaginal delivery in the labour ward and the other an elective C-section. Both experiences were great. X