Mum’s View
Deciding to use an independent midwife for a homebirth was a difficult choice. It certainly got tongues wagging amongst our friends and family, who all worried about not being in a hospital. The key thing that helped me decide was the continuity of care that I would receive from a person I knew and trusted, rather than being attended by numerous midwives, who I may not have known, in a hospital. Meeting Liz for the first time confirmed that this was the right way to go. She immediately put me at ease and gave me confidence that we could do it at home.
I also wanted to have a water birth and try to use HypnoBirthing, and Liz encouraged me to do both, while always pointing out the pros and cons in a very professional way and providing alternative ideas when they were needed. Liz’s visits before the birth were very helpful in preparing me for what was to come.
On the big day, my labour started at about 3am. We phoned Liz as the contractions got closer together and were reassured to be told that things were progressing normally (even though we had obviously got Liz out of bed). Liz and Sarah (who acted as the second midwife at the birth) arrived in good time and set up, leaving me to get on with labour. Throughout the labour, they were both calm and professional. Liz managed the whole process thoughtfully and consistently to fit in with the HypnoBirthing, only intervening where necessary. As labour entered its second stage, Liz was encouraging, while monitoring me closely all the time. In the final stages, Liz advised that she thought it would be better to get out of the pool, which I did, with a lot of assistance. After the first contraction on Liz’s “magic” birthing stool, Maddie was born with such a rush that Liz had to employ all of her catching skills. Sarah dealt with Maddie, and Liz continued to tend to me through the delivery of the placenta – again the birthing stool was brilliant for this.
After the birth, Liz was wonderful. Her care and professionalism were superb. She spent hours with us ensuring that we were recovering well and answering endless questions. She was extremely patient, knowledgeable and supportive.
At her 24 hour check, we discovered that Maddie had developed a cataract which needed to be operated on. Liz not only continued with her post-natal care, but also came to the hospital with us, asking all the practical questions, when we were too distraught to ask never mind think clearly. The fact that Liz knew us, our history and had been through the birth with us was invaluable and I am not sure we would have survived without her support.
All in all, the birth was a wonderful experience. We couldn’t have done it without Liz, who gave us so much, and we will certainly have another home-birth.
Dad’s View
Being the father is very much a supporting role (food, drinks and sympathy mainly) – but you’re really a spare part. However, as part of the process, you really would like to know what is going on, and how you can help. Liz was fantastic in providing advice as to what I could do and how best to be involved – providing drinks, rubbing her back, holding the gas & air mouthpiece….. In addition, Liz and Sarah gave the air of being in control, which gave us amateurs confidence that things were going as planned.
For me, the worst bit was after the birth, as that is when the questions really kick in. Is there meant to be this much blood? Is she meant to be that colour? Why isn’t she crying? Etc. etc. Liz dealt with my questions calmly, while tending to the girls, which certainly helped me. Liz was also great after the birth, giving me some sound advice on how to help them both, which I can only say thank you for.
