The Beautiful Home Birth of Violet

What inspired me the most to become a case-loading midwife was the care that I received from my midwife (Cecile) whilst pregnant with my third child Violet. I had planned a home birth after learning through my studies and research that having a home birth increased the chance of having a positive birth experience, are less likely to involve an instrumental delivery or caesarean and have a higher success rate for breastfeeding. I received excellent care from Cecile throughout pregnancy, from the initial booking appointment and up until 28 days postpartum. I know by choosing a home birth I made the right choice, for me and my family.

The birth itself was just amazing, to be in my own homely environment helped me to relax and stay calm, empower my own body’s strengths and to enhance a positive focused mind. My husband was able to sit on the patio in the sunshine with the newspaper and a cold drink whilst I was being cared for inside. This was his highlight of the labour (apart from the birth itself of course).

My midwife Cecile who got to know me during the antenatal period, encouraged me to focus when I “couldn’t do it anymore” during the transitional phase and gave great support by massaging my back and speaking positive but gentle words.

Soon after my waters had broken, my baby was born and put directly on my chest for skin to skin contact. This helped to keep her warm and to encourage our first breastfeed, not to mention to encourage the delivery of the placenta which I was fearful of doing naturally, but again was empowered by Cecile that “I can do this”. Just 15 minutes later, my placenta was delivered and we were tucked up in bed having skin to skin with tea and toast.

All mess (little of) was cleaned up and my husband was delighted, soon after our 2 boys returned home from football club to meet their baby sister and enjoy a lovely summers evening on the patio together. If we were to have anymore children, we would definitely have another home birth to experience the personalised care and empowerment that we received once again. It was an enjoyable and positive moment in our lives that we will never forget.