St George Private Hospital

[mim5]

Hi LADIES

Has anyone had a bubs at St George Private. Can you tell me your thoughts on it. I have discovered I am pregnant and due New Years Day.:smiliedance:

[Frazzled]

Hi Mim, congratulations!!!!:smiliedance:
My SIL had her baby last nov in St George private and had an ok time. She is a nurse there so i don't know if that is why the things that happened were because they thought she'd be alright being nurse?

Some of it was little stuff like she was never taught how to bathe the baby and then other stuff more pressing, they left her 'alone' a lot and she had terrible baby blues and a lot of trouble bfeeding. She also had a horrific labour and birth which resulted in then sprinting to theatre with her for a very much so emergency caesar.... But you know, this could happen anywhere - I just think maybe she expected more being on staff I spose?

That's the only experience i know about?

My sister had her girls at Kareena and they were wonderful. Are you near Liverpool? I had my little man at South West Private at Liv and they were wonderful.

Good luck with it all x

[mim5]

Hi Kate

Thanks for your response. As a staff memeber I would expect the same, though being a staff memeber at St George Hosp as wonderful as all the staff arehas made me want to go away from my workplace and figured St George Priv was far enough away but close enough if need be. I am not near Liverpool, I live in Kogarah.
Hubby and I (very excited.. in prvate) have decided not to tell family and friends till we are 12 weeks.
Do may people wait til 12 weeks to tell those close to them ?
:D

[Frazzled]

It is such a wonderful and exciting time for you! We told our families straight away - we were too excited and had been waiting to long (it took 18months for us to fall)! But waited till 12 weeks to tell friends and work colleagues!

The choice is totally up to you! I spose what i thought about is if something was to go wrong, and I pray it never would, I would need the support of my family to help me through it? Does that make sense?

Lots of luck!:fingerscrossed: Do you have an Obst?

[mim5]

Thanks for the advice. :)
We are thinking of Dr Queeny Wong. I have made an apt with her.
We would love to tell family as I wont hear the end of it when we do tell them and that we waited to tell them. Though it is nice having a secret..lo ;)
I think as this is our first we want to keep it low. I am very positive everyhting will be great and bubs will be a happy healthy bub. especailly since I had NY Eve plans..lol now that will change.:smiliedance:

[jkate]

Congratulations Mim :smiliedance:

I dont know much about St George Private, but I went through the Birth Center at St George Public with both my boys. They are wonderful over there, it is a midwife run-based centre however any major problems obstetricians are always consulted. I had Aden in the birthing suite (since I was induced) and Travis in the actual Birth Centre. Adens birth was not the best, his heart rate was falling during every contraction and when he finally arrived he wasnt breathing, I had my midwife with me, another midwife from the centre, a midwife from the birth suite and a obstetrician (and others I think) it was through all their work that Aden starting breathing again. Travis birth thank goodness was a breeze compare to Adens, has I said I had him in the birth centre, my midwife was there when I needed her. My only regret is that I now live on the central coast (i was also from Kogarah) and that I will not be able to go back there for number three. Sorry to prattle on, this might not be the sort of care you are after, but if you are interested it is definitely something to look into. You will have to book soon, spots get filled up quickly.

Best of Luck, and hope all goes well.

[Cade's Mum]

Hi Mim5

I had my son at St George Private my Dr was Dr Peter Childs (his rooms are actually on the same floor as the maternity wards). My experience there was a bit of a mixed bag. I had a csection which was not an emergency but necessary - For that part I could not have asked for a better experience I was extremely well cared for and the staff were absolutley fantastic. I believe my recovery was because of their excellent care.

After bubs was born I was left alone a fair bit once I was up on my feet (I was ina private room) I found the majority of the nursing staff to be extremely clinical and not very friendly only a couple were chatty and really nice but I didn't see them much with their shifts and all. However I and bubs were checked on quite alot probably due to the c-section and the fact that I came down with a chest infection (I caught this prior to going in though) the Dr's were lovely.

There are some older nurses there that try to inflict their personal views regarding breast feeding etc which did not work for me and to which I became quite upset about (along with the baby blues on the third day or so) I found that I didn't get much support there with regards to bottle feeding as they thought I should persist with breast feeding. I think that happens everywhere though.

Despite that part of it I would absolutley have another child there as I know what to expect and my overall experience was very good there.

Congratulations on your pregnancy all the best.

[Tiggerbaby]

Congratulations!

I had DD at St George in 2003 and had a fantastic experience during delivery and with post natal care. We had to stay because my DD was in special care for 10 days. The special care unit nurses could not of helped out any more and were very caring to both my DD and myself. Because I had the baby blues :gloomy: quite badly and was unable to breastfeed or bond well with my daughter due to the lack of physical contact (humidicrib) they orgainsed alot of extra services for me which helped me greatly.

My OB was Prof. Michael Chapman and he was fantastic although not there for the whole delivery he was already delivering another baby, his staff dr were fantastic. His clinic rooms are also in the hospital on the same floor as the maternity ward. My girlfriend used Dr Childs twice and could not be happier with him and the hospital.

[nemosmum]

I had my ds at St George public (I too work for St george Hospital:thumbsup: ) I had a good experience (apart from room sharing i wouldnt advice that!)

But two girls from my mums group had their bubs at St. George Private and both didnt have many nice things to say:no:

They said it was beautiful, all brand new facilities etc but they were both left alone with bubs straight after a c-section (one was left on the bed with her new bub and all her bags in the middle of the room!!! She couldnt reach the call button and was stuck there for two hours NOT happy Jan:eek: to say the least!

I have however heard great things about Hurstville community:thumbsup:

[mim5]

Good evening All:) :)
First time preganant, so as much as I can read from books is good but this is better!
I would love to have my baby at St George Hospital knowing what I know about them and the services provided but I feel labour is such a personal private experience that I could not go through it knowing most of the staff at St George Public. Does that make sense ?
I am also very happy to be with Dr Q Wong I think that will make the experience more comfortable and relaxing.
I think every hospital is pushing breast feeding especially if the hospital are hoping to be apart of the BFHI. I heard Hurstville community is doing their fair share of persuasion especially since they are under the management Calvary now.

[DjF]

I want to go to St George Hospital - i live very near and even though we will move at the end of the year it will probably be to Carss Park - also close.

I just hope they look after me and show me what needs to be shown! As it will be public i still have the confidence of knowing in an emergency there will be an Ob available.

Now all i gotta do is get a bfp.......:fingerscrossed:

[nemosmum]

Mim- I know what you mean, The OB who delievered my bub (foreceps) was actually someone I had known for about two years (I took care of her bub for a year) so i knew her and it was ok (perhaps because I was on drugs at the time LOL:eek: :laughing: but hey once you give birth alot of your inhibitions are left behind:D

[twins+another]

I had my twins at StGeorge Public and couldn't rave more about the quality of care that my babies and I recieved there. I was also staff (non-medical)! I had been warned away from the private hospital by a number of NUMs from other hospitals in the area, that I had come in contact with during a course on Kronos.

[boofy76]

Hi there,
I'm 7weeks pregnant, bubs due 30Dec06 and can't seem to find a OB in the St George area and I'm getting desperate!
I've tried Queeny Wong, Catherine Tiernan, Karen Harris, James Opperman as they've been personally recommended but all either closed or fully booked. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm currently booked with Michael O'Connor but he seems awfully expensive :( .
Just yesterday I've booked with another OB in Crows Nest so if all else fails I might head to the Mater Hospital - but this means I'll have a 45mins drive ahead of me when the labour comes but I'm getting a the feeling St George Private isn't that great anyway.
Thanks all
D

[mcamilleri]

Hey all sad news after reading your forums and recommendations from friends I chose St George Private to have our 1st child.

The staff all excellent and Queeny Wong was excellent.
However two days after baby was born my purse and rings were stolen from my private room.

This led me to question what type of security the hospital has( very little at all.)
The only camera they have internally is at the main entry/exit door as pointed out by security and none of the wards have cameras, this means the next thing that can go missing potentially will be a child.

The person that stole my purse then went to the bank and were given access to change pin numbers whilst my husband and I were at the hospital and subsequently began to withdraw money.

Has anyone else had this experience with St George Private ?
Im hoping that this does not happen to anyone else.

[clairbear]

Djf........
I had my two boys at st George Public in 2003 and 2006 through the team midwife program ( your pregnancy checkups are all with the midwives, you get to meet them all during your pregnancy then one of them will be with you at the birth).
Cannot recommend the hospital and this system enough! I was very well looked after, and it was great to have a familiar face with me throughout my labour and delivery. The hospital staff were great too, and in the labour ward they were very thorough and supportive. Lactation consultants were always on hand to help with breastfeeding, there were bath demos and lots of info for new parents.
The only thing i could complain about was sharing a room (you might be lucky and get your own room, depends how busy it is) both times with women who had constant streams of noisy visitors when all I wanted to do was sleep!
Luckily, I took advantage of the early release program..if you leave before 48 hours you can be in the comfort of your own home and have a midwife visit you at home every day for an hour for a week..I found this fantastic.
Why pay through the nose for an obstetrician who won't be guaranteed to be with you at the birth....I find the midwives far more important than the doctors anyway, but they are there if needed- than get high quality care for free through the public system??
Good luck ttc ;)

[jkate]

Djf........
I had my two boys at st George Public in 2003 and 2006 through the team midwife program ( your pregnancy checkups are all with the midwives, you get to meet them all during your pregnancy then one of them will be with you at the birth).
Cannot recommend the hospital and this system enough! I was very well looked after, and it was great to have a familiar face with me throughout my labour and delivery. The hospital staff were great too, and in the labour ward they were very thorough and supportive. Lactation consultants were always on hand to help with breastfeeding, there were bath demos and lots of info for new parents.
The only thing i could complain about was sharing a room (you might be lucky and get your own room, depends how busy it is) both times with women who had constant streams of noisy visitors when all I wanted to do was sleep!
Luckily, I took advantage of the early release program..if you leave before 48 hours you can be in the comfort of your own home and have a midwife visit you at home every day for an hour for a week..I found this fantastic.
Why pay through the nose for an obstetrician who won't be guaranteed to be with you at the birth....I find the midwives far more important than the doctors anyway, but they are there if needed- than get high quality care for free through the public system??
Good luck ttc ;)

Couldnt agree more. I also went through the birth centre in both 2003 and 2006, and the midwives there are wonderful. I had complications with Aden, but never once did I feel that I didnt get enough care, they always consulted a obstetrician if needed. I only wish I could bring them down here to the central coast when I have my next bub.

Clairbear, what midwives did you have?? We might have even had appointments around the same time, our boys are only a couple of months apart :D

[mcamilleri]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey all sad news after reading your forums and recommendations from friends I chose St George Private to have our 1st child.

The staff all excellent and Queeny Wong was excellent.
However two days after baby was born my purse and rings were stolen from my private room.

This led me to question what type of security the hospital has( very little at all.)
The only camera they have internally is at the main entry/exit door as pointed out by security and none of the wards have cameras, this means the next thing that can go missing potentially will be a child.

The person that stole my purse then went to the bank and were given access to change pin numbers whilst my husband and I were at the hospital and subsequently began to withdraw money.

Has anyone else had this experience with St George Private ?
Im hoping that this does not happen to anyone else.

[MumsieMel]

I had both of my children at St George Public,

I even moved in the last 3 months of my 2nd pg to Campbelltown, but stayed with St George!

They were great!!! Loved them , i also went with the birthing centre and my labour was excatly what i wanted thanks to their support!

GO PUBLIC!!!! :thumbsup:

[clairbear]

jkat and mumsiemel good onya both for being strong and having your bubs at the birthing centre.......I was too chicken and just had mine in the delivery suite!
Jkat, don't think the midwives from the team midwife at rockdale are the same ones at the birth centre. Just in case they are though, my faves were Sarah and Olu (African woman) who were unreal and very supportive!

[jkate]

clairbear I was in the delievery suite for aden because I was induced, but I was so happy that I had Travis in the birthing centre, it was lovely. And I went home four hours after I gave birth, just had a sleep on the nice big bed. My DH fell asleep on the lounge when Travis was getting checked over by the doc :laughing: :laughing: . My midwife for Aden was Cassandra, and Jan was there as well. For Travis I started with Ali (but had to go on leave for personal reasons at the end) so I was with Angela and Bree (who was there for the birth - and was so wonderful:smiliedance: )

MumsieMel: who do you have?? And I totally agree: GO PUBLIC!!!! :thumbsup:

[dee dee]

Hi Boofy76, I have sent you a PM:wave:

[MumsieMel]

KAREN
oh god this is gunna sound awful but i cant remember her name :o She was skinny with short blonde hair. Absolutely lovely!
NOW i remember Meagan!!!!!!

Oh i didnt give birth in the birth centre, cause my waters were green! :thumbsdown:

And with my DS i went thru the midwives at Rockdale.

[jkate]

KAREN
oh god this is gunna sound awful but i cant remember her name :o She was skinny with short blonde hair. Absolutely lovely!
NOW i remember Meagan!!!!!!

Oh i didnt give birth in the birth centre, cause my waters were green! :thumbsdown:

And with my DS i went thru the midwives at Rockdale.

Meagan works in the delievery suite now, I think I saw her a couple of times when I was pregnant with Aden. But I bump into her when i was having an appoitment with Travis.

Can I ask what the midwives at Rockdale were about? Hadnt heard of them before you and clairbare mention them.

[MumsieMel]

Its a midwives clinic for you to go see, like shared care etc. But i got there when i was about 6 mths pg so didnt get to meet many and didnt enjoy it much.

[jkate]

ok, thanks for that. Both times I went to see the midwives at the birthing centre for all my appointments. Would recommend it to everyone.

[DjF]

Clairbear - what midwives are there in Rockdale? I only ask as i actually work in Rockdale - and would be nice (when i eventually fall preg!!!! Blast it!) to have checkups somewhere quick and easy! Is there a centre in Rockdale?

Its been great reading everybodys comments - the more info the better. Did anyone do 'classes' before birth? What were they? And what did you actually do in them?

Oh COME ON bfp! Waiting.....

[clairbear]

Djf.....sent you a pm

[Ethan]

I have gotten in to see Dr Karen Harris for pre-conception care - has anyone had any experience of Dr Harris from St George Private Hospital in Kogarah?