"Relaxed supportive home birth"

I can’t believe it’s nearly 5 months from we had our second baby boy at home. Having a water birth in the comfort of our own home with the support of midwives was the best decision we made. Paula is an absolute asset to the Southern Trust and we cannot thank her enough for everything she did.

From our initial contact she was friendly, professional and supportive. She remembered when my antenatal appointments were and always called or texted for an update. She introduced the other midwives in the team and completed a risk assessment with us. Paula ensured everything was delivered to our home on time before the on call rota started.

On the night I went into labour we were so lucky to have Paula and Rhoda come to our home. It was very clear they had read my birth preferences. They reminded me about the things I included like low lighting and music. They also monitored baby's heartbeat and the temperature of the pool to make sure it was right for baby. Paula’s gentle touch and telling me I was doing amazing during a surge was all the encouragement I needed.

When baby arrived it was surreal lifting baby out of the water to let daddy reveal it was a boy. Again all our birth preferences were followed skin to skin, delayed cord clamping etc. Paula and Rhoda quietly worked away, gave us time on our own and checked baby and myself over. Nothing was rushed and everything was done a calm, quiet manner.

Rhoda, before she left very kindly took the first few photos of us as a family of 4. I was on an absolute high when Paula and Rhoda left me in the comfort of my own bed. Paula and Rhoda are both incredible, we couldn’t have asked for 2 better midwives to share the birth of our baby with.

I also want to thank Dr Finnegan and the doctor I had seen in DOU. Although they recommended being induced they had read my notes and seen I was planning a home birth. They both took the time to explain the risks involved, providing me with the information I needed to make an informed decision. They put no pressure on me to induced, encouraged me to speak to my husband/Paula and respected my choice to continue with a home birth. They even provided me with information about what to do if I changed my mind. Thank you both for your patience and understanding.