"I felt very supported"

I fell pregnant in January 2025, I had a lovely community midwife, Rachel, who supported me throughout my entire pregnancy and asked me regularly about my mental and physical health and proved multiple times she was here for not just my unborn baby but me as well. 

Rachel included my partner in the appointments, which helped him feel more comfortable as he too was worried about watching labour and her continuous support and inclusion helped set up such a warm and welcoming environment going into every appointment.

I had a very uneventful pregnancy with no complications or pain until the last 3 weeks before my due date when I started to experience a lot of pain in my hips and lower half of my body causing multiple other problems with getting to and from the bathroom. Rachel heard my concerns and supported me in my decision for a sweep at 39 weeks and set up a referral for this (even though this did not work and baby was born spontaneously at 40 +2).

I began to struggle with my mental health a little bit during those last few weeks and Rachel heard my concerns and reminded me of resources and places I could reach out to if I needed.

After I had given birth (which was a lovely experience and something I wouldn’t change at all and I’ve very grateful for the lovely midwives in the MLU in which I gave birth for their support during my very fast labour) Rachel even sent a message to congratulate me on the arrival of my little boy.

Throughout the whole experience I felt very supported by Rachel and she completely changed my view on birth and I believe this helped me to go in with a positive mindset and ultimately set me up for such a positive birth experience. 

I don’t believe I would have had such a positive birth and pregnancy experience if it wouldn’t of been for Rachel and I hope in the future if I go on to have anymore children that I am able to have Rachel’s support again.