Lean on Me - Hannah's Story

After a traumatic hospital birth with my Daughter in 2018, I was keen to have a home birth with my baby in 2024.

The consultants put a lot of pressure on me during my appointments due to my BMI & a ‘big baby’, and were keen to induce me and have me on consultant led care, despite having no other health issues whatsoever. I did engage in every test & appointment they asked of me.

I had a doula supporting me in birth and I was nervous for the midwives to arrive, as I felt there might be more coercion & I had been feeling so relaxed and in control. But I couldn’t have been more wrong; Abi and Sarah followed my birth plan to the letter and gave me space and monitored in as non-invasively as was possible. They were kind, friendly and encouraging & I felt at ease. 

I seemed to be in active labour a long time and at this point, they explained that it would be really helpful to undertake a vaginal examination and explained exactly why they wanted to do this. In addition to advising me around movement and getting into different positions to try and move the labour along.

They explained every intervention and made it clear that it was my decision and choice, which made me feel confident and in control of my labour. My son was actually back-to-back, and because my labour was somewhat slow, they presented all the options available to me & I agreed to be transferred to hospital, as I was feeling exhausted. In hindsight, I was transitioning & not long after he was in my arms - just as the ambulance arrived.

They were so encouraging & even though I was 6cm dilated at the check, I was sure I was pushing him out & I wasn’t met with disbelief or minimisation. I was told to listen to my body and received unwavering support & validation of my experience. They were so calm and in control and it made me feel calm. It was like night and day from my first labour (induction & epidural).

He arrived in the world just as the ambulance arrived! They really shared in our joy, and it felt like such a moment that they were really involved in. When I had my little girl, they gave her to me and left the room - it made me feel so sad and I was left attached to monitors and unable to properly care for my baby due to being in stirrups. My husband eventually located someone who took me off the monitors and told my husband he needed to leave - I’d been in labour 36 hours and felt so uncared for. This time, I was really cared for - they helped me clean up, get in bed, made me tea and toast, gave me real positive time with my baby and helped me breast feed (I’m still breastfeeding now!). Then they left us as a family to connect; it was the most lovely experience. I felt like the most important person in the room, they couldn’t have done enough to support my husband and me.

Although the labour was hard, I have no trauma from it whatsoever and only have positive memories. I was so lucky to have Abi & Sarah, and they gave me the healing experience I so needed with this child. He was nearly 11lb!! And I did it! And I couldn’t have done it without them - everyone should have midwives like Abi & Sarah, they were wonderful, and I’ll be forever grateful.

Moreso, Abi was kind enough to connect with me afterwards to debrief about the birth and connected me with a breastfeeding group she is involved with & their advice has been so valuable. I only breastfed my daughter for three months, but I have loved breastfeeding this time & I believe that is due to the positive birth experience and Abi's support post-birth.

Thank you, Abi and Sarah ❤️