"Community midwife care and Home birth"

From what started off as a smooth 2nd pregnancy to then becoming a little complicated I couldn’t fault any care received by the teams of Royal Oldham maternity or especially the community midwife team of Royton, Shaw and Crompton. 

Everything was going perfectly fine until I started with pains at 32 weeks whilst away in wales. Once I was assessed by the maternity team there I showed signs of pre term labour. I was admitted and given a steroid injection to help baby’s lungs strengthen. Another was needed and a overnight stay was required so I decided it was best for this to be done closer to home. I discharged and re admitted the same evening into Royal Oldham where they continued the care I required, observed my baby and gave me the 2nd steroid injection. All pains had now stopped and I showed no more signs of labour starting. Once discharged and a follow up with a consultant 2 weeks later I was back under the care of community midwives. 

I attended the clinics ran by Jen at Shaw and crompton as required and the support received was amazing. She was there to put my mind at ease with all the worries previously, either in clinic or over the phone.

At the start of the pregnancy a home birth was discussed but by 35 weeks I had talked myself out of it due to worries from weeks earlier, again Jen supported me with this decision. 

At 37+2 my waters spontaneously went at home. I attended the birth centre at Royal Oldham for this to be confirmed but as there was no other signs of labour beginning I was sent home and asked to come back when contractions had started or for a booked induction the following morning. They advised I called Jen (Community midwife) and let her know what was happening so she could be on hand if needed as with my 1st baby labour progressed very quickly. 

Within 1 hour of being home the contractions started, I called Jen and within 15 minutes she came to assess me at home, this was to prevent me having to go back to hospital to be sent away if not far enough along in labour to be admitted. I was near enough in established labour at this point and it was then suggested by Jen I remain and have baby at home as this was my original plan. After discussions with my partner we decided to go ahead and have baby at home. Jen reassured me that she wouldn’t be leaving at any point and prepared our bedroom and me for delivery of my baby. Gas and Air was provided as this was my choice of pain relief, with this even running out but more arriving within half hour with Nicola (student midwife) who also stayed to assist. Hours later my healthy baby boy was delivered at home safely. I couldn’t fault the experience in anyway at all. From being reassured throughout and to having that personal 2:1 care. After me and my baby we’re cleaned up and checked over we were in our own surroundings, in my own bed. Both midwives stayed with us afterwards and cleaned everything up. You wouldn’t even have any idea a baby had just been born in the house. 

My aftercare has been continued at home by Jen, Nicola and Anne with the regular visits and at the end of the phone when needed.

I can’t thank them enough for all being there and making my home birth such a amazing experience. It wouldn’t have been possible without Jen and Nicola and the amazing job they did. I’m glad it was suggested as a last minute option and don’t regret it in anyway.