"I had my dream home water birth"

Throughout my pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal care, my experience of the Fife Homebirth Team has been incredible from my first contact with Frances enquiring about the service, my antenatal appointments with Lorraine and Megan, Katrina attending and supporting me during my Mode of Delivery appointment with the consultant, an informal cuppa to get to know members of the team better, my labour and water birth at home, accompanying me to a hospital transfer, my postnatal care through to being discharged from midwife care.

I was so grateful that each of the midwives on the team took time to build a relationship with me prior to birthing my baby and all in the comfort of my own home. Knowing that it would be one of these ladies attending my birth was reassuring. Every antenatal appointment or meeting with members of the team was very laid back with bringing their own expertise such as aromatherapy and rebozo. Each brought their own advice and tips on how to give myself the best chance of achieving my VBAC and supported me in planning for all eventualities so that however I birthed I was empowered to make my own choices.

The Homebirth Team's passion for their job and supporting women in their care is evident and I am so grateful to have been looked after by them and for their belief in me.

Katrina attended my birth with a midwife called Amy. They were calm, gentle and allowing my environment to be quiet, calm, dark and relaxed with all my comforts. During my labour they went about their checks in a calm manner using soft touch, gentle hushed voices and even counter pressure during contractions. With the support of my husband, Katrina and Amy I had my dream home water birth, birthing my daughter and achieving my VBAC.

Katrina and Amy accompanied me to hospital for sutures for a tear and again were just wonderful. You could genuinely tell they were proud of me. Whilst in hospital Megan popped into the room to congratulate me. Seeing a friendly face of someone who was genuinely excited for me helped the hospital part of my journey.

The continuity of care provided by the team in invaluable. The service they provide is an asset to NHS Fife. I can't thank Lorraine, Katrina, Megan, Frances and Amy enough.

I also want to mention Sarah and the valuable work she does with Hypnobirthing for NHS Fife. After my first birth, which resulted in a ceassrean, she came to chat to me and planted the first seed that I could have a VBAC. I asked to be referred to her early in my pregnancy and was part of her course. I was lucky enough to get the chance to speak to her again whilst in hospital again her passion shone through.