- What do we need to bring upon admission?
For you:
- At least three changes of nightwear (Cotton is preferable. Front opening night wear is convenient if you intend to breastfeed).
- Slippers
- Bathrobe/dressing gown.
- Toilet bag with personal toiletries (e.g soap, shampoo)
- CD player and CDs if you would like music
- Your camera and / or video
For Labour:
- Water spray for face
- Small natural sponge or face flannel
- Lip balm
- Pair of loose fitting socks
- Hairband to keep off your face
- Massage oil
For your use in labour, sanitary pads and disposable pants are available for you at the hospital.
- What would we need to bring for the baby?
Everything is provided for your baby while you are in hospital apart from scratch mittens. So all you need is clothing for the baby to go home in and to organise a car seat.
- Who shall I call when I go into labour?
You should either call your Consultant, your Midwife if under Midwife Led care or a Midwife on our delivery floor on 020 7390 8395.
- Does The Portland Hospital have car parking facilities and if not what happens if we drive in?
The Portland Hospital does not have car-parking facilities. Please note that the forecourt of the hospital is available for arrival and collection of patients only. There is an NCP in Carburton Street, a few minutes walk from the hospital. There is also meter parking available in the surrounding streets. The Portland Hospital is inside the congestion charging zone.
- What happens if all the delivery suites are full?
We try as far as possible to prioritise the work load but if all the delivery suites are full then we can equip a room on one of the postnatal floors to accommodate delivery.
- What happens if my Consultant does not make it on time?
We have qualified and experienced Midwives who are experts in performing normal deliveries and Resident Medical Officers (RMO's) who provide 24 hour medical cover if required, in the absence of your Consultant Obstetrician.
- Will my Midwife be looking after someone else while I'm in labour?
The ratio of Midwife to patient is 1:1 during labour and 1:4 on the postnatal floors.
- What different methods of pain relief do you have?
- Mobile Epidurals - These allow the patient the benefit of epidural pain relief, while maintaining the ability to move. They are offered once labour has commenced.
- Entonox - also known as 'gas and air'.
- Pethidine.
- Birthing pool - If you wish to use a pool for pain relief, this can be hired from an outside company. We are in the process of developing a water pool room at the hospital. This choice will have to be discussed during the antenatal period with your Consultant Obstetrician or Midwife.
- TENS - The equipment needs to be hired by the patient should they wish to use them in the labour.
- How soon can I get an epidural?
There is 24-hour cover by Resident Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetists should you need pain relief during your labour.
- Can my partner stay with me during labour?
Your partner can be with you during labour, either in the delivery suite, if you have a normal delivery or in the theatres if you have an elective caesarean delivery. However if it was an emergency caesarean your partner will usually be advised to stay in the delivery suite and wait.
- How many people are allowed in the delivery suite?
Usually it would be your partner, Midwife and your Consultant Obstetrician who are present in the delivery suite.
- Can my mother/sister/friend be with me at the delivery?
This is dependant upon your Consultant Obstetrician or Midwife but should not pose a problem.
- Can I eat during labour?
If your labour is progressing normally then you can have a light meal or snack. Your Consultant or Midwife will advise you at the time.
- Does The Portland Hospital have CD players or do we bring our own?
You will need to bring your own CD player if you wish to have music in the delivery suite.
- Will a Paediatrician check my baby once he/she is born?
Your Midwife will arrange for your baby to be seen by a Consultant Paediatrician. The Consultant Paediatrician will routinely visit the ward to check your baby following delivery, until the day of discharge. However as with all Consultants, Paediatricians are independent to the hospital and therefore will charge their costs on to your account.
- What happens if I deliver before coming to the hospital?
If we are informed, a Midwife will be sent to you with an ambulance to collect you and your baby for admission to The Portland Hospital with your consent.
- What kind of emergency facilities do you have for the baby at The Portland Hospital?
The hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit and special care baby unit for babies born over 32 weeks gestation. Parents are encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the Unit sharing in the care of their baby.
