We looked into an independent midwife for my second pregnancy because we wanted continuity of care, a care provider we trusted and to have our baby at home; despite the likelihood of him being quite big (my first was 10lb and I was strongly encouraged to have him in hospital). I met Nicky before I even got pregnant and decided then and there I would be using her.

During my pregnancy I felt sick, and then got enormous, then fearful that I wouldn’t have my home birth and then went 12 days overdue; scaring myself about the possibility of an induction and subsequent hospital birth! During all of this, Nicky was supportive, encouraging and reassuring. I felt in control and was able to make informed choices throughout rather than feeling pushed into decisions I was unsure about. We met Mandy twice before the labour and both felt confident in our chosen caregivers.

The birth was worlds apart from my hospital experinece. I wasn’t poked or prodded about; I wasn’t scared and could just let things take their course, with a bit of encouragement when needed. Henry was born after an 8 hour(ish) labour unceremoniously on the bathroom floor! He weighed 10lb 13oz, and I am convinced I would have had pressure on me for a hospital birth with pain relief etc under NHS care.

After the birth I did have quite a large bleed, but this was dealt with swiftly and professionally – Mandy and Nicky really do bring everything bar the kitchen sink! I was transferred to hospital with Nicky by ambulance, and she stayed for hours to make sure we were all OK. I felt able to really assert my wishes with her there with me. Despite the complication, I have no regrets whatsoever about my choice of homebirth or my choice of midwives, and I firmly believe that my homebirth would not have happened were it not for their support. They were fantastic and both Iand my husband would recommend them in an instant.

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