"Couldn't be happier w/ birth experience at..."

I remember reading these reviews myself because I wasn't sure about going to Homerton Hospital for the birth of our first child. I eventually decided to go, because my GP had her baby there and had great things to say. Also, it's much closer to me and I thought it would be easier to get to during labour.

I'm so happy I chose to go to Homerton Hospital Birthing Centre. In many ways, I was very lucky, as I had no medical complications, and was already 6cm dilated and in visible labour when I arrived so was admitted straight to the birthing centre. In the end, I couldn't have had a better and more positive birth experience there.

I really wanted an un-medicated and uninterrupted, quiet birth experience, and I had some very specific things in my birth plan about this. The midwives there (one in particular) really respected all of my wishes, and genuinely seemed like they wanted to help us have the birth experience we hoped for.

After the birth, I had a debrief with my doula, who has been to many births/hospitals and even they commented on how professional the midwives were (and how big the birthing pool is!)

My only small issue was about the ward. After a beautiful peaceful birth in the birthing centre, it was a bit intense to be in the ward with all of the lights and sounds. However, I think staying in the ward after birth is just going to be loud and stressful no matter where you are. I also received some really attentive and helpful advice about breastfeeding, which I believe got us off to a great start - my daughter is still feeding very well several weeks later.

Lastly, it was really helpful to visit the hospital beforehand for one of their tours and see the birthing centre.