"Amazing maternity care ending in VBAC"

A few weeks ago I welcomed my second child and got my longed for amazing VBAC at Ninewells hospital.

With my first child I had to have a c-section which unfortunately was not what I had hoped or planned for. At the time I found this difficult to process and was left not knowing how I felt about going through that experience again. Despite my outcome my midwife Louise was amazing throughout this pregnancy and supported me in every way, always making me feel calm, encouraged and heard. We developed a good bond and I could not fault her in her care for me. 

After this birth I decided to have a birth debrief with birth reflections. This was with another lovely midwife, Libby, who was so gentle, respectful and everything I needed without knowing what I needed. We spent over an hour talking through my birth notes, my feelings and what all transpired. She reassured me that my ability to birth was not taken away from me and that it wasn’t because I wasn’t good enough which was a feeling I carried for a long time. Libby made the appointment a safe place and in no way did it feel clinical or impersonal. 

Fast forward 1.5 years and I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I knew hands down that I did not want any other midwife by my side than Louise who knew my history and knew my values so requested to have her again and luckily I was able to see her. After meeting and catching up I let her know that I wanted to birth at home and with as little intervention as possible to avoid what had happened last time. Without any hesitation Louise supported me right from that moment, telling me that it was my right and my birth and she would be there however I wanted to do it. Even when I used language like if it’s okay with you, or if you let met - she always reminded me that it wasn’t a choice she could make and it would always be what I wanted rather than anything she allowed.

So we started planning for what a HBAC would look like and I carried on with my pregnancy. At all of my appointments Louise answered my questions and listened to my worries with such genuineness that I always left appointments feeling empowered and cared for. Luckily I went on to have no complications during my pregnancy, however I did have to phone triage once with a worry and was spoken to by Kirsty. She was so kind and understanding and went out of her way to reassure me, providing exceptional advice and making me feel heard. She didn’t dismiss me and showed me such compassion.  

Despite now being overdue Louise never made me feel pushed or pressured to book inductions but also always made all options available to me. At 40+7 contractions started and over the course of a few days my contractions came and went and it felt like my labour was starting and stalling. I thought things were heading in the right direction so phoned DMU and to my surprise I got Libby on the phone. I explained I thought I was in labour but she let me know that there was no one on call that night for a home birth and so to come into the DMU. I was disappointed but was happy to change plan. I went to DMU and it was a false alarm so went home. The next day labour was starting and stalling so I phoned DMU again and spoke to Libby. She gave me amazing advice, kept me calm and her advice was essentially what helped bring my labour on that night. It was so amazing to have had her guiding me through the second labour after she helped me unravel my first! 

Eventually, things really kicked off and I entered established labour at home. I phoned the DMU and said we were ready for midwives and they said there were midwives available and they would be on their way. I later found out that two midwives had heard my story and felt for me that no one was available for home birth the night before and so had agreed to be on call for me that night.

Becky and Laura were the two midwives that came to my house, they were incredible. They advocated for me and listened to me. They made me feel completely supported and that I wasn’t alone in any aspect of my labour. They worked so hard to help create my desired birth space and I never doubted their skill or professional capacity which made me feel so safe.

Unfortunately when I reached the pushing stage all things slowed down and after a long second stage I was taken to Ninewells to get a helping hand with getting baby out. Despite this Becky and Laura stayed with me and even Becky travelled with me in the ambulance holding my hand.

At 4am my son was born vaginally with ventouse and I was able to say I got my VBAC! Saskia helped to deliver him and she was unbelievable at guiding me through that difficult part. Becky and Laura still stayed with me at this point coming to check on me and bring me tea and toast. To have them there with me consistently until the very end was incredibly comforting. 

Being able to welcome my baby into the world surrounded by these outstanding individuals who silently and humbly are exceptional at what they do is an experience I will never forget. These women have absolutely changed my life, they have allowed me to heal and have shown me my true strength. They have given me such a positive experience in birth and supported me in ultimately achieving a VBAC and for that I cannot thank them enough!