I decided to have independant midwifery very early on in the pregnancy because I particularly wanted a home birth and I was anxious about being told that there were no staff available when the time came and that I would have to go into hospital. Also, I liked the idea of a water birth and had the impression that not all NHS midwives are prepared for this. I knew that I wouldn't be confident enough to fight for what I wanted so I needed the assurance of independant midwifery.

I was worried that my husband would resist this because it's not cheap and other women give birth perfectly well under the NHS but being my first pregnancy I was still earning a full-time wage and he understood my wish for a home birth. I have to say that it was worth every single penny. Each time Nicky visited me in my home she stayed for at least an hour, sometimes two, answering all my questions and helping to put aside any fears. I knew that when the birth happened I would have someone there who knew me well.

In the end, Harry wouldn't come of his own accord. I was having contractions for a week but never went into full labour so when I was three weeks overdue I was booked in for an induction. Nicky came into the hospital with me and because she wasn't part of the staff she could stay with me for the whole time. I knew I wasn't going to be left on my own. The birth ended with a C section which would have been quite frightening except that Nicky was there explaining why things were being done. After all, when you hear technical language you don't always understand what is being said and in the heat of the moment you don't feel you can keep asking "Why?" so having someone to interpret for you is a godsend.

I had Nicky's continued support for a month afterwards as she came to weigh Harry and answer all the usual questions of a first-time Mum such as "Is this normal?" It was wonderful to feel so secure throughout the pregnancy and birth and I would fully recommend this to anyone, particularly first-time Mums who need that extra bit of reassurance. It was definitely worth it!

Click to return to the top of the page