Days to go: Duchess Kate’s change of birth plans
While it was previously reported that the Duchess of Cambridge was considering a home birth for her third baby, it has now been revealed that she has decided on the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital.
The hospital, located in London’s Paddington, was where Kate also gave birth to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
"She has decided that she will be having the baby at the Lindo Wing," a source told Vanity Fair.
"The room is all booked, the team are ready and everyone is just waiting for the baby to come. They have had two very positive experiences at the Lindo Wing so it’s the No. 1 choice.
"She knows the team and she feels like she’s in very safe hands," she said.
During an official engagement, Kate broke royal protocol to hug one of the midwives who had helped her in her two previous deliveries.
Kate is also believed to be under the care of Guy Thorpe-Beeston, the obstetrician who also assisted her with the birth of George and Charlotte.
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital, Professor Tiong Ghee Teoh, revealed that Kate had over 20 doctors and nurses on call for the previous two births.
The team includes two obstetricians, three midwives, three anesthetists, four theatre staff, two special-care baby staff, four paediatricians, one laboratory technician and four senior managers.
It was believed that Kate would follow in the footsteps of the Queen and have a home birth after a source close to the Royal Family spoke out.
"Catherine has said she would love to have her baby at home,” the source told The Express.
Reportedly, a home birth was appealing to the Duchess as she wouldn’t have to rush into hair and make-up and face the cameras after stepping outside.
"Above all they both agree that having a home birth would save a massive intrusion into the day to day running of any hospital," the source said.
"They were very concerned about the chaos caused with the first two children as hundreds of press and public camped outside for several days, and they would like to avoid a repeat if they could."
However, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have decided on St Mary’s hospital where they can receive great care. Despite Kate battling hyperemesis gravidarum in all her pregnancies, her last two births went smoothly.
There is not much longer to go until the royal baby arrives!