"Royton and shaw community midwives."

I was a low risk mum-to-be on my second pregnancy. I was asked whether I’d ever considered a home birth and I was very tempted but also worried about anything going wrong. I decided to go ahead with it, having had Joanne suggest I get assessed at home and take it from there. She assured me that I could be taken to the birthing centre/labour wards if at any point I change my mind. 

The day arrived and I was comfortable with going ahead with a home birth. I contacted Joanne once in early labour and she adviced me to monitor my contractions and to ring her again once they were 2 minutes apart. Joanne was unable to attend my home later that day but instead sent Jen and Kim. Jen arrived first and got me in a comfortable position on my bed at my request. She was incredibly calming and encouraging and made me feel at ease. Then Kim arrived and between the two of them, got me to a place where I was ready to push. I was very scared and reluctant to push, but having Jen and Kim there urging me on with words of encouragement gave me the strength to carry on. Once my baby girl was born, the aftercare was absolutely incredible. I still can’t believe the level of 2:1 care I received! Both ladies cleaned my bedroom up, made my bed with fresh bedding, made me and my husband a brew, offered to make us both toast, and run a shower for me. They were amazing and I am so glad that I decided to go ahead with a home birth. A huge ‘thank you’ to Joanne, Jen and Kim... you were amazing and I’m so grateful for your care.