"Magical Home Birth"

Our home birth experience in November was better than we could ever have imagined! 

I met Lorna from the home birth team at my 12 week appointment. She recognised that my 1st labour had been particularly fast and that I might be a candidate for a home birth this time. She kindly offered to come out to meet with both my husband and I, to discuss the process and ease the worries that my husband in particular had. She was so passionate, knowledgable and supportive, it really was an easy decision to make.

Lorna provided exceptional care throughout my pregnancy. She could not have been more attentive or supportive, always on hand to answer any questions, or offer advice. I also just really enjoyed chatting to Lorna who is a very warm and bubbly person - I loved listening to all her stories and we always had a laugh. I felt safe and comfortable in her company. All of this I felt allowed us to build a really positive and trusting relationship which no doubt positively affected my labour experience. 

The evening my waters broke, I felt calm and well prepared thanks to Lorna’s weeks of guidance. During the labour itself, Lorna was attentive whilst also respectful, allowing me to take the lead and direct her in terms of how I felt or what I needed. I felt totally empowered. I didn’t once wish I was in a hospital environment that some people may deem ‘safer’ - I can honestly say I felt completely safe with just Lorna and my husband present. 

My daughter arrived in the birthing pool quite swiftly and without any concerns. It was calm, quiet and exactly how I had hoped it would be. Laura arrived just as I’d given birth to support Lorna with the after care - I hadn’t met Laura prior to this but she had the same warmth as Lorna and I immediately felt safe with her - and what a great team they were. When the time came for them to leave us alone with our baby (and toddler who had been asleep upstairs throughout!) I almost wished I could ask them to stay longer as they had looked after us so well! 

The follow up care with the whole home birth team was fantastic; attentive, non judgemental and very supportive. I saw a few different midwives from the team over the course of that week and I really felt that they were all on the same page, and I didn’t find myself getting confused with conflicting advice or opinions. I think that’s really special in a team and shows how much they value their role and each other. 

I could not praise highly enough the whole team and would recommend a home birth to absolutely anyone who was able to have this option. It really was perfect in every way and I would certainly opt for the same experience - should I be crazy enough to have a third child!