"The most magical experience I could have asked for"

My experience at the Barkantine Birth Centre was brilliant from start to finish. This was in Jan 2016.

I'm now pregnant again and planning (hoping!) I can have my second there.

The experience of a totally midwife led unit is very different (from what I've been told and read) to a hospital environment. I was fortunate enough to have the choice (as I was low risk) but to anyone with the luxury of choice, I would highly recommend considering the Barkantine.

The centre itsself is warm, modern, clean, welcoming abd while small (only 5 rooms) it is very spacious.

Some people may be concerned that it is not attached to a hospital "just in case" But it's worth noting that these midwives are experienced, emergencies or problems are detected early and they would not risk complications should one present itself - if any issues arise they would "blue light" you in an ambulance to a hospital labour ward and be with you the whole way.

The pros for me were

A non medicalised environment- no scary looking machines or instruments

No intervention or pressure to rush the job

A calm, positive environment

The garuntee of a water birth (all rooms have private

pools)

A double bed and private En-suite where my partner could stay. We stayed the night after our son was born. We ordered Deliveroo and just relaxed while we were visited by midwives/nurses to check we were all doing fine and assisted with breastfeeding.

Gas and air and pethadine are available but I totally forgot and because it's not so "readily on hand" as in in sight, I was able to have a natural birth using the water and a tend machine to help me.

I would recommend the Barkantine in a heartbeat. Go and meet the team and have a look around to see how amazing it is for yourself - plus it's totally free *this isn't a private service, though I rebook I'd pay if it was!!!*