"Best Start for baby"

I recently had my second baby at Ayrshire Maternity unit. I'd been looked after by a few different community midwives during pregnancy as part of the Best Start project  and they all were lovely, very friendly and advocated for the birth I wanted.

I'd had a difficult birth with my first child and as such my community midwife recommended I discuss a plan with the consultant midwife which I did and we worked out a plan I was happy with and which I felt empowered me and gave me enough control while still being safe for me and baby. I was also referred for hypnobirthing which was amazing and should be offered to all expectant mums. It gave me so much information I felt able to make informed choices about birth and beyond.

When I went into labour I was able to stay at home and relax until I recognised I really needed to head into hospital, when I arrived the team was aware of my birth preferences so I didn't need to communicate at all and could concentrate. My baby ended up being born alot faster than we thought and my plan sort of went out the window but in a good way and it was a very positive experience. I opted to stay in the midwifery unit overnight and it was lovely to spend time bonding with my new baby.

The care from community midwives was great and almost makes me want to do it all again (almost). I'd especially like to thank community midwives Roni and Kelly for their care and support, hypnobirthing midwives Natalie and Mairi, Geraldine for helping formulate my birth plan and especially Gillian who delivered my wee girl and cared for us in hospital.