"My Home Birth"

Our second baby was born at home, as planned. My midwifery team (Teviot Midwives) were all very respectful of our decisions and acted as excellent facilitators and supporters throughout our entire journey. I genuinely felt listened to and respected which really helped to place my faith and trust in the team. We had a brilliant relationship, communication-wise also. The two midwives who attended my home birth (Fiona & Agnieszka ) read my birth plan and stuck to it. They were kind and considerate during their entire time with us, but most importantly, they were friendly. 

It is easy for me to compare my two births (1 hospital in and 1 home birth ), but I do believe there is a serious lack of information readily available to pregnant women surrounding natural and home births. I done the research and fact finding on my own and was rather shocked to discover some of the statistics out there, that are not NHS based. I was delighted when making my birth plan with Fiona that she agreed with all of my decisions (delayed cord clamping, avoiding internal examinations/membrane sweeps, drugs and ARM's, the need for a natural labour). Sadly, I did not find this to be the case during my first labour, which included a membrane sweep, diamorphine, ARM, catheterisation, episiotomy, ventouse, third degree tear which had been stitched incorrectly  and re-done, resulting in an infection, leading to a prescription of antibiotics and ultimately thrush between myself and my breastfeeding daughter. However, I am so glad there are midwives flying the flag for home births in my area, and can happily say that nothing from my previous labour was repeated!

The difference in my mental health alone between my two labours is incredible and I certainly do feel that my team had a lot to do with it. Having my very own midwives in my home during such a special time felt like being treated to 5 star service and I am still riding the high 2 weeks on. I did not feel this was the case in our General Hospital. 

It is definitely reassuring to see the improvement of the community maternity care in 4 years and cannot praise my team enough. I would like to thank them for all that they have done for me and my family. They truly are angels that walk among us.