"Incredible Home Birth"

I wanted to tell my story and say a heartfelt thank you to the midwives that helped me deliver my baby boy at home.

From my first midwifery appointment where I mentioned I would like a home birth, I was supported to do so. I met with a midwife called Joanne (who has now retired) regularly who was a huge advocate of home birth and always made me feel relaxed about my decision. One appointment in particular I had a question about what to do when the baby’s head was crowning and she explained the biology of the whole process and what the baby would do, and honestly it was the most helpful thing I was told. I loved having access to my own notes through badger notes and really appreciate having this. 

When it came to the evening of giving birth, I went into labour at 6pm. I phoned triage and told them and was asked to come in as I wasn’t sure if my waters had broken. I really wanted my home birth so I was checked over and sent home - I really appreciated my wishes being respected. When I got home (which was about 10.30pm by the time my mum and husband got their chippy which took ages…)

I started to get more intense contractions so we phoned the hospital at about 11pm to say we needed the midwives to come out. It had been clearly explained to me that it could take an hour for them to come so that’s what we expected. At 12pm, Lauren and Lauren arrived - one was a student - they realised quickly my labour was progressing really fast. Lauren got me onto the sofa to assess me and when I got up my waters broke, when Lauren checked she said she could feel a head! 6 contractions later and my baby boy was born at 12.11am. It was such an incredible, empowering experience which I never thought I would have after my first quite traumatic birth.

Lauren and Lauren were so supportive and said exactly what I needed to hear at every turn - even when they couldn’t get the gas and air working and I started freaking out! With their support, as well as my amazing mum, I was able to give birth with no pain relief. Another midwife arrived after baby was born and was amazed he was already here, it was quite funny. 

My experience still makes me feel so emotional. I had no tears and my recovery was very fast which made such a difference. Really just appreciative of the service and the support I had to have a home birth. 

Thank you all.