"Caesarean birth after trying for home birth"

For my first baby I tried a water birth at home with the outstanding support of the Home Birth Team. After many hours (days?!) of labour I didn't manage to dilate more than 6 cm so accepted to be transferred to hospital. At the hospital the chemical induction didn't work out so I ended up having an emergency caesarean birth. Going from home to a caesarean birth may seem like one extreme to the other but my experience was great all the way. My baby didn't distress, the Home Birth team was fantastic, supportive, explaining every step, caring; transfer to hospital (30 min) was efficient; welcome and care at hospital was calm and professional.

Dr. Eamon was incredibly kind, professional and patient; when I asked if I could have a "gentle caesarean" (no curtain, step by step explanations, slow removal of the baby with contractions, delayed cord clamping) he listened and accommodated my wishes always with a kind smile. The anaesthetists were meticulous yet took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions; and were attentive and caring during the birth. 

I stayed 48h in hospital and all the staff at the ward were efficient and caring. And being back home with my baby and having the follow-up support from the Home Birth team I knew well was such a blessing, providing excellent care with great motivation and passion!

Overall I loved my birth experience along each step. Thank you to all the people from the Home Birth team and at the hospital that made this possible!