Doesn't The Portland Hospital only do caesarean sections ("too posh to push")?

The media often portrays the hospital as a C-section factory. However, The Portland actively supports and facilitates low-intervention, entirely natural births, complete with state-of-the-art water-birthing suites.

Isn't The Portland just for multi-millionaires and celebrities?

Whilst The Portland is noted as a favourite of royals and celebrities, a large proportion of the hospital’s clientele consists of everyday professionals and expats who have budgeted and saved specifically for a private birth experience, or those who are lucky enough to have medical insurance cover.

What are the visiting hours for family and friends?

The Portland Hospital allow extended family and guests to visit daily 10am until 8pm, to ensure that new mothers, babies, and partners staying overnight can get essential rest.

Should I be worried that The Portland is not attached to an NHS hospital?

There is no reason to be worried about The Portland being a standalone private hospital. As an obstetrician with over 4,000 births to my name, I would not practice here if there were any safety concerns. In fact, unlike many private maternity wings attached to NHS hospitals where emergency facilities are shared with the NHS, with pressures on those emergency facilities coming from both sides, The Portland is fully equipped to handle complex and high-risk births, with state-of-the-art delivery rooms alongside an on-site Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Rest assured that despite the fancy surroundings and premium service, there is no compromise on safety.

Dr Keith Duncan

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist · MD FRCOG

Dr Keith Duncan MD FRCOG is a London-based consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 30 years’ experience and more than 4,000 deliveries in NHS and private practice. He spent 20 years working in the NHS at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, as a sub-specialist accredited in maternal and fetal medicine in 2001, and was one of the early users of MRI in fetal assessment — his MD thesis was in this area.

Dr Duncan is a strong supporter of personal choice in childbirth, whether that involves water birth, caesarean, or hypno-birthing, and believes in consultant-led continuity from the first consultation through to delivery.

He consults and delivers privately at The Portland Hospital and also consults at 132 Harley Street and Ovara Health in Chelsea. He is the author of Anything Pregnancy.

Book a consultation Learn more about Dr Keith Duncan

Your Delivery At The Portland Hospital, London

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

I have been a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for over 30 years, have delivered more than 4,000 babies both in NHS and in other private hospitals, and I am delighted to practice and deliver exclusively at The Portland now. The Portland Hospital is the only private hospital in the UK dedicated to the care of … Read more

What Should I Put In My Birth Plan?

July 27, 2026July 20, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

A birth plan is your way of expressing your preferences and priorities for the sort of birth you would like. By writing down what you want to happen, and what you’d ideally hope to avoid, you can communicate your thoughts and wishes to me and the team who will care for you and help you … Read more

What Can I Do To Prevent Stretch Marks?

July 20, 2026July 17, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

The changing body shape, rapidly expanding bump and the hormones raging around conspire to ensure that loads of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. They seem to appear overnight; you may feel a little itchy, your skin can look thin and the next minute you’re covered in red stripes. When your skin is stretched harder … Read more

Dr Duncan’s Guide To Twin Pregnancy

July 27, 2026July 15, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

They say that having twins is ‘double the trouble and twice the joy’. It’s completely understandable that known risks associated with a twin pregnancy can cause some anxiety, however, with the right support and guidance from a highly-experienced obstetrician with specialist interests in maternal and fetal medicine, you can stay healthy, protect your growing babies, … Read more

Is My Diet Good Enough For My Baby?

July 4, 2026April 20, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

Lots of evidence suggests that often our diets alone may not provide everything needed to give a child the healthiest start in life. From the first moment of fertilisation your body is nurturing and protecting your baby. A balanced diet is important to provide the vitamins and minerals needed to support this extraordinary process of … Read more

What Should I Pack In My Hospital Bag?

July 16, 2026April 1, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

There’s a lot to think about when packing your hospital bag, but armed with Dr Duncan’s hospital bag checklist you should have all you need for the birth and for your new baby. It’s very exciting to pack your bag for The Big Day, because after all this time of being pregnant, the birth is … Read more

Is It Safe To Fly During Pregnancy?

July 27, 2026March 20, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

Pregnancy can be a great time to enjoy a last romantic break as a couple before baby arrives. Whether it’s a holiday booked before receiving your happy news, or squeezing in a ‘babymoon’. However, lots of women are worried about flying during pregnancy. What are the recommended guidelines for flying when pregnant? As long as … Read more

How do I know my baby will be ok?

July 27, 2026March 1, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

Throughout pregnancy, you will be offered a number of routine tests and checks to keep a close eye on your health and the development and wellbeing of the little life growing inside you. These tests are not compulsory, so you can choose to refuse them if you wish. They are, however incredibly useful to help … Read more

What is my risk of miscarriage?

July 4, 2026February 20, 2026 by Dr Keith Duncan

Most of the women I care for worry about miscarriage, particularly in the early months of pregnancy. Sadly, miscarriage is common in the first twelve weeks. Whenever it happens, it can be a distressing experience. However, it’s important to remember that you are still much more likely to have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. With personalised … Read more