"Incredible Birth Center Experience"

I had such a positive experience giving birth that I wanted to thank and commend the midwives who took such incredible care of me. Thank you. I started having contractions Wednesday around 7 am (24.06.20) and eventually called the Birth Center around 11. The midwife made me feel very welcome to come in if I wanted or to stay home a little longer, as I wished. This was very reassuring as I wasn't made to feel that I could not yet come in. The intensity of the contractions suddenly escalated so at 12 we set off. I got to the Birth Center at 12:20, and the midwives and student were honestly amazing from the start. It was all about me. They could see how far my labour had progressed since my phone calls and asked for my birth plan, actually read it, then asked if I wanted an internal examination. I asked if it would help with anything and they said only if I wanted a sweep, but that it didn't seem like I needed it so they didnt bother. They were so respectful to my wishes. They asked and they listened. They sat back and let me be, still very much in my zone. They told me I could use the pool or do whatever I wanted. I was surprised as it's my first labour where I've had any choice.

I got in the pool and the relief was immense and instant. I already had the urge to push and the contractions all rolled into one. Although they encouraged me to keep going and that they could see his head, they never told me to push as such, and my baby was born within twenty minutes of getting in. They were surprised as I didn't seem to "push" (I do feel my body kind of birthed him for me!). The pain was immense but I also felt every single thing, which was equally incredible. They gave me my little boy immediately. There was a sense of calm, no rush and it was all up to me, every decision. I got out the pool and lay skin to skin with my son... I was then able to birth the placenta naturally. It was a very long time before my husband cut the cord as they waited for it to stop pulsating, as asked. They were then surprised as he was quite big but I was intact. They were so lovely and really showed us how amazing the placenta was, and the membrane still in the pool. They said that if there were no complications, my husband and I could stay in our own (lovely!) room for the next 6 hours ...and honestly, it was magical. They said I could stay the night if I wanted but was free to go home. We ended up being there till about 22:00 but only because it was all so relaxed and there was no rush. Despite the virus situation, I had a magical and wonderful experience. The staff are working wonders under very unusual and challenging circumstances, but I can tell you that from my point of view, services were not impacted, quite the opposite, my experience was magical. The attitude in the birth center is amazing and it seems that everything that hypnobirthing teaches you, they also believe (comfort, minimum intervention but choices, trusting your body, respect and consent). Thank you.