A Water Birth in Manchester Story

I'd like to share my positive birth story. Apologies if it's long, I've enjoyed reminiscing so much! I'm still on a high from the experience nearly a week later!

I switched from NHS care to PM at 38 weeks pregnant as homebirth services in my area were impacted due to staff shortages. I had my mind set on a homebirth from the very beginning of pregnancy, so it was very disappointing to hear this. However, I was so impressed straight away with PM as the admin team signed us up quickly and got the ball rolling. We were allocated the lovely Jeanette and Madelaine as our midwifes, and they both provided fantastic care with lots of information to help us make the best decisions for us. Our plans for a homebirth were back on!

The weeks rolled by, and my due date came and went. We were supported to make the decision to decline induction of labour, and I was confident in knowing that baby would arrive in her own time. I trusted my instincts and knew that I felt great, and everything felt normal with baby. It was the morning of 42+6 weeks of my pregnancy when light contractions finally began. Things had ramped up very quickly by lunchtime and I was in active labour in the early afternoon. My husband was preparing the birth pool, and Madelaine was on her way over to support us as I started to get the urge to push. I couldn't believe how quickly things were progressing but being relaxed at home was very comforting.

I was so relieved when Madelaine arrived, and I relaxed even more knowing she was there. She encouraged me to listen to my body, and I felt like she was so in tune to the sensations I was feeling. As things slowed slightly as I got in the pool, she encouraged me to move which was an incredible relief. I really felt like we were doing it together and I felt like I could surrender and put my complete trust in her. I was back in the pool in no time and by late afternoon I had given birth in the pool. Our daughter was born so peacefully, and she came exactly when she was ready, with a full head of hair and beautiful pinky skin. She weighed a healthy 9lb 4oz, and thanks to Madelaine I didn't have any tears.

The experience has surpassed all my expectations. We were also incredibly lucky to have Linda as our second midwife who was able to capture the moment our daughter was born in video for us. It's so special to have the memory captured for us to treasure in years to come.

Thank you so much to Private Midwives!
Best wishes,
Ceri