"Pregnancy and Birth"

I had an amazing experience being cared for during my pregnancy, birth and afterwards. I had a named midwife who I saw for most of my appointments and who really took the time to understand what I wanted from my pregnancy.

I wanted to have a very low intervention, natural pregnancy and birth and was supported in this despite the fact sometimes I was going against guidelines and advice. I was always informed of the risks and benefits but allowed the space to make the decision that was right for me and my baby.

I did not have an entirely smooth pregnancy (hyperemesis, and a small bleed in 3rd trimester) and even throughout these times I felt really cared for and supported, empowered to make the choices that were right for me and my family.

The only bit that I felt was not as positive was my time at the RAH, communication with me was at times condescending. I was not told correct information regarding appointment times and locations and so ended up wandering around different parts of the department to find where I should be. I had a scan that was to check the placenta's location and to see why I was bleeding but the sonographer did not tell me that information till the end of the scan (which was quite a long time whilst measuring different parts of the baby) thus making my partner and I very anxious that something was very wrong.

I achieved my planned home birth, my birth was amazing. It was epic and long and intense (compared to my first birth). I was lucky enough to have my named midwife there during labour, she came to see me at home to assess me and was really supportive despite me struggling emotionally. She asked me if I wanted her to stay but as I was still in early labour I said that I Was okay for now, when she came back later she recomended she stayed (which I agreed was the right plan). Things progressed quickly at that point and I had a fast a beautiful water birth. The second midwife arrived just in time!

Postnatally I got a possible infection in my womb. It was sorted quickly and efficiently.

I cannot fault the care I got, when more medical attention was needed it was there with all the experience and expertise that was necessary, when things could be more natural they were. It was the perfect balance and throughout it I felt respected and cared for.