What’s it Like to Give Birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich?
Sep 23, 2025If you live around Woolwich, Greenwich, Plumstead or Blackheath, chances are you’ll be offered the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for your maternity care. Lots of local families have their babies here, and the maternity unit offers both a midwife-led birthing suite and a consultant-led labour ward, so you’ve got options depending on how your pregnancy is going.
Here’s a bit more about what to expect if you’re planning to give birth at QEH.
The Birthing Suite
The birthing suite at Queen Elizabeth is the midwife-led unit. It’s a calmer, more homely space compared to the main labour ward, and it’s designed to support natural, low-intervention birth.
Facilities include:
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Birthing pools for water births
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Ensuite bathrooms in the rooms
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Space and equipment for active labour (balls, mats, stools etc.)
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Softer lighting and a less “clinical” feel than the main ward
It’s a good option if you’re hoping for a straightforward birth with midwife support, but you like having the hospital setting just in case.
Midwives Who Support Hypnobirthing
Lots of parents locally say the midwives at QEH are open and supportive if you want to use Hypnobirthing techniques during labour. That might mean keeping the lights low, giving you space to use your breathing techniques, or just being mindful with the language they use. It makes a real difference when you’ve put the effort into preparing and your midwife is on the same page.
The Labour Ward
If you need a bit more medical input (or you just feel more comfortable knowing doctors are close by) you’ll be on the consultant-led labour ward. This is where you’ll have access to things like epidurals, continuous monitoring, or obstetric support if it’s needed.
It’s a busier, more clinical environment than the birthing suite, but you’ll still be cared for by the midwives, with doctors on hand if needed.
Community Midwives and Homebirth
There’s also a community midwifery team covering Woolwich and surrounding areas if you’re considering a homebirth. They can provide antenatal and postnatal care, and two midwives will usually attend when you go into labour at home. Many people love the continuity of seeing the same faces throughout pregnancy and birth.
Birth Options Compared: Birthing Suite, Labour Ward & Homebirth
Birthing Suite (Midwife-Led): Calm, supportive, birth pools available, designed for parents who want a natural birth with minimal interventions.
Labour Ward (Consultant-Led): On-site doctors, full medical facilities, best if you need extra monitoring or prefer more pain relief options.
Homebirth (Community Midwives): Familiar surroundings, no need to travel anywhere in labour, and two midwives attending at home.
Birth Stories from QEH Parents
Every birth is different, and the best way to get a feel for a hospital is hearing from people who’ve already had their babies there.
You can read positive birth stories from mums who gave birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital here →
Final Thoughts
If you’re local to Woolwich, Greenwich or the surrounding area, Queen Elizabeth Hospital gives you a few solid options for where and how to have your baby. The birthing suite is a good middle ground if you want a calm, natural birth but still like the reassurance of being in hospital.
With supportive midwives, a consultant-led ward on site, and homebirth as another option, you can usually find the path that feels right for you and your family.
Want to Feel Calm and Prepared for Birth?
If you’re planning to give birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, my local Hypnobirthing courses can help you and your partner feel more confident, positive and ready for every stage of labour.
