"Whilst I understand why my baby's birth location had to change I do not feel the rest of my birth plan needed to."

I had planned no interventions and a home birth but unfortunately I had complications pre term with premature rupture of membranes.

My diagnosis was made at Inverurie Maternity Unit (midwives Sheila and Bailey). The care there was simply wonderful and put both myself and my partner at ease at an anxious time. 

I was transferred to AMU and remained there for 48hrs. The midwife care was above and beyond! The obstetricians were also lovely but explained the risks and worst case scenario. They were happy for me to remain for as long as I required but also respected my wishes to go home. I understood why its advised but stated that I did not wish to have continuous monitoring as it was very important to me to be allowed to move around during labour. I asked the obstetrician if I went into spontaneous labour could I go to the MLU as long as I accepted that if there were any issues I could be transferred to labour ward. I was told this would be possible.

I went into labour just under a week later, when I phoned Inverurie I was told I had to contact AMU. Despite advice previously given by obstetricians I laboured at home as long as I could as I wanted the freedom and tranquillity. I was at foetal expulsion reflex stage by time got into triage. They made repeated requests for me to lie down and be continually monitored and get an examination.  I explained as best I could between contractions my wishes and that there was no requirement for examination as I knew I was fully dilated.

When they realized I was not exaggerating there was high speed reaction to get me into a wheelchair and to labour ward. I really couldn't sit down but they kindly waited until a contraction finished and then wheeled me Formula 1 style to ward! I wanted to give birth standing or squatting but it was insisted that I get onto bed but that I could be in all fours if I wished.

So my baby was born, me on all fours, occiput posterior,  32mins after arriving at AMU. My baby did not require admission to neonatal ward although we remained in postnatal ward for several days. The midwife attending me was lovely. Whilst I appreciate that certain positions for labour are easier for professionals for monitoring I was never asked if I wished a internal examination, to move around or continuous monitoring, more that it was just what was done. I'm guessing my birth plan was not consulted. Whilst I understand why my baby's birth location had to change I do not feel the rest of my birth plan needed to.

The midwife and paediatrician care postnatally was exemplary.