Inside Info - Lindo Wing

Bump @ 36 + 4 weeks today 

This afternoon, Bear and I are going for my antenatal appointment at the Lindo Wing. My consultant will examine me, the position of the baby as well as taking a closer look at my varicose veins in my groin (very painful I can add, as they throb every time I stand up!). 

They can potentially be dangerous as they can rupture during a vaginal birth and then cause haemorrhaging, so he will make a judgment if  I will need a planned Caesarian.  I'm keeping all fingers and toes crossed that won't happen!

Well, as the countdown continues, here's a little insight on the venue where all the action will take place! The following is an extract from their brochure: 

The Lindo Wing at Imperial Private Healthcare

At the Lindo Wing we have been providing the best private obstetric and neonatal care for mothers and their babies since 1937.

Over the years, we have gained an international reputation for clinical excellence in both obstetric and neonatal medicine which has made us the choice for thousands of mothers. But what really sets us apart is the discreet, traditional, individualised service we provide.

We are equipped to deal with straightforward and complex pregnancies and deliveries and offer antenatal and postnatal packages of care. So you have the peace of mind that should you or your baby need additional support, a full range of specialist services including on-site specialist neonatal services, critical care facilities, and specialist staff are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At The Lindo Wing we are extremely proud of our maternity team who take pride in the service we provide and consistently receive high ratings for patient care and experience.

The Lindo Wing is part of Imperial Private Healthcare, a dedicated facility which provides modern, world-class consultant-led care in one of the UK’s leading teaching hospital groups, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

About your stay in Lindo Wing

Your room
Your room is designed to provide you with comfort and privacy during your stay. Deluxe rooms and a suite are available on request.
All rooms are en suite, and have satellite television, Wi-Fi, radio, safe and a fridge. There is a bedside telephone or you may use a mobile phone in your room. You can also access the internet. A newspaper of your choice will be delivered to your room each morning. 
All postnatal rooms come with the comfort of a fully reclining chair should your partner or birthing companion wish to stay with you overnight.

Meals and drinks
All meals are prepared in a dedicated kitchen and a wide range of options are available. Our extensive and nutritious
menu caters for special dietary, cultural and religious requirements including vegetarian, kosher and halal meals. Please let us know in advance if you would like to order kosher meals.

Tea and coffee are provided at regular intervals throughout the day but you can ask for these at any time. We also provide tea and coffee for your guests free of charge. 
We have a comprehensive wine list, should you wish to enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate your baby’s arrival.
Your guests are welcome to order meals and our catering staff will charge separately for this service. Breakfast is provided free of charge if your partner or birthing companion is staying overnight on the postnatal ward.

Visiting hours and protected rest times for mothers
Your partner or birthing companion is welcome to stay with you, however we have a protected rest time for mothers between 14.30 and 16.30, and we discourage visiting during this period, to allow you to catch up on some well deserved sleep. Family and friends are most welcome to visit after this period. 
We recommend no more than two visitors at any one time, but if you wish to receive additional visitors please speak to the midwife in charge. Any children must be supervised and remain the responsibility of their carer at all times. We may request that your visitors leave the room for short periods as and when required by your healthcare team.

We kindly ask that your visitors make themselves known to staff at the reception desk on arrival. Should you not wish to receive any visitors, please inform a member of staff who will make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Accommodation
We do not provide overnight accommodation for relatives and friends within The Lindo Wing, with the exception of your partner or birthing companion. 

Nursery services
All mothers have the opportunity to have a rest after the birth with the peace of mind that their babies are being well cared for by professional staff in our nursery.
We can also offer an individual nursery service. Please contact the midwife or midwifery administration manager if you would like to take advantage of this.
Insurance companies may not cover you for your baby to be cared for in the nursery. Please see our price list or contact us for more information. 

Going home
Your consultant and midwife will advise you when you are well enough to go home. On the day of discharge you will be seen by your consultant and your midwife, who will arrange for a community midwife within your local area to visit you at home. Your midwife will advise you about birth registration, health visitor visits, family planning and any concerns you may have prior to your discharge.
Our discharge time is 11.00 to allow us to prepare the room for another patient. An additional charge may be made for stays after this time. You will need to organise your own transport either by car.  Alternatively a member of staff can arrange a taxi for you. Please ask someone to bring in a baby travel seat on the day that you are going home as this is required by law.

The midwife will give you any medication that your consultant has prescribed for you to take home. Should you need a further prescription, please do not hesitate to see your GP.
To help you and your baby settle in at home, we have prepared a starter pack which can be purchased before you leave.

Birthing suite @ Lindo Wing