"Birth of 2nd child"

Went into labour around midnight with 2nd child, felt very guilty to be calling up a on call midwife to go into work and open the unit at this time. Was worried that I may not be in labour and wasting everyone’s time. Was relieved when the midwife asked for my baby’s clothes as this must mean that I was in labour.

My first birth at Berwick I stayed in the deep bath for as long as possible and when I got out the bath instantly wished I could get back in! On this second occasion I was left starring at a beautiful birthing pool that we were not allowed to use as this required a health care assistant on duty and only possible in the day. This was and will always be a disappointment. 

The staff on duty where exceptional, I felt empowered, cared for and above all had complete trust in their ability. As for autonomy.. I’ve had two babies and they both were delivered by the same midwife, how lucky am I. 

I was home with my 4 year old enjoying the moment and recuperating by that afternoon. With regular visits by the midwives I knew. 

Me and my partner felt very guilty that the same midwives that I woke up at midnight to deliver my baby where then on duty for that whole day to run clinics, having had no sleep! Not acceptable. It seems we have managed to keep our maternity unit, but is it at the expense of the staff that work in it?