Inside Zara Tindall’s simple NHS maternity unit – & it’s VERY different to the £7.5k-a-night ward where Kate gave birth
ZARA Tindall has today announced that she is expecting her third child with husband Mike Tindall.
However, if you are expecting another royal baby photo shoot on the steps of the Lindo Wing a la Kate Middleton, you’re going to be disappointed.
The Queen’s granddaughter is likely to opt for the same NHS hospital where she delivered two-year-old daughter Lena and six-year-old daughter Mia.
The Stroud Maternity Unit is part of the Gloucestshire Royal Hospital and is just a 15 minute drive from Princess Anne’s estate of Gatcombe Park, where the Tindalls also live.
The humble maternity unit, which is completely free to use is a far cry from the £7,500-a-night hospital where Zara’s cousin Prince William welcomed his three children.
The Lindo Wing offers mums-to-be the chance to indulge in afternoon tea, lavish menus and bottomless champagne to celebrate the birth.
En suite bathrooms at the plush wing are stocked with toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and lotions, and rooms come with satellite TV, WiFi, a sofa for guests and magazines for your stay.
However, Zara, who holds no royal title, has opted for a fuss-free approach with Stroud Maternity Unit.
There are no deluxe birthing packages here, and rooms don't come with TVs or fancy wine menus.
EDWARD FAVOURITE FOR ZARA AND MIKE’S BABY NAME
Bookmaker Coral has made Edward the favourite, at 3-1, in the betting for the name of Zara and Mike Tindall's third baby, as the couple revealed they are expecting their third child.
Alice (4-1) and Lily (5-1) come next, with Stephen and Michael (both 8-1) other early contenders in the market.
"We make a boys name the favourite for Zara and Mike's third child, with Edward the 3-1 leader in our latest Royal baby name betting market," said Coral's Harry Aitkenhead.
"Alice and Lily are the next best, should a baby sister arrive for Mia and Lena," added Aitkenhead.
Philip is 20-1, Mark 33-1 and Anne a 50-1 chance.
**To be the name of Zara and Mike Tindall's third child
3-1 Edward, 4-1 Alice, 5-1 Lily, 8-1 Stephen, Michael, 12-1 George, Isabella, 16-1 Ruby, 20-1 Henry, Zoe, Philip, 25-1 Emilia, Elizabeth, 33-1 Maya, Mark, 50-1 Anne
The “small maternity unit” has just three rooms and offers a “home from home” approach and welcomes around 300 babies every year.
While there might not be Champagne on tap the unit does offer some unique experiences for couples including ensuite rooms so that new parents can stay overnight.
According to the NHS website, the rooms “have all been individually designed to create a comfortable and calm environment for you, your birth partner and your baby.”
The ward also offers alternative forms of pain relief such as birthing pools and aromatherapy.
Once Zara has given birth she can expect to be transferred to one of the eight additional beds in place for new mums.
Mike, 42, announced his 39-year-old Zara's and good news this morning on a podcast he hosts, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
And Her Majesty and Prince Philip are said to be "delighted" by their grand-daughter's announcement.
What mums can expect from the five-star Lindo Wing
All of the care packages at the Lindo wing include:
- Midwifery care throughout delivery and postnatal stay
- Theatre fees
- Routine midwife appointments and blood tests
- Paediatrician fee for first baby
- Nursery care
- Postnatal physiotherapy
- Routine medications and dressings
- Meals and daily newspaper
- Accommodation and breakfast for your partner, for each night of your postnatal stay
You will be expected to pay extra for:
- Any antenatal care (excluding midwifery appointment)
- Professional fees for obstetric services and anaesthetic services
- Blood transfusions, diagnostic tests and injections not specified in the package
- Non-routine take-home medication
- Induction (if required)
- Hearing check (unless NHS eligible)
- Additional guest meals
Former England Rugby star Mike said: "It's been a good week for me, had a little scan last week – third Tindall on its way."
He revealed he wants a boy as he currently has two daughters with Zara, six-year-old Mia Grace and two-year-old Lia Elizabeth.
He said: "I'd like a boy this time, I've got two girls, I would like a boy.
"I'll love it whether a boy or a girl – but please be a boy."
The rugby ace also joked about naming the baby after Covid, adding: "We're not sure what to do Covi or Covina – I don't know where to go with names."
In other royal news, we told you how pregnant Zara paved the way for Meghan Markle to speak openly about her miscarriage.
And this is how Camilla and Diana's friendship frayed after her engagement lunch in The Crown.
Plus, Kate Middleton is still waiting for travel honour that Meghan got "weeks after her wedding."
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