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 ❤️
Lean on Me - Hannah's Story
'They really shared in our joy, and it felt like such a moment that they were really involved in.'
Read Hannah's incredible birth story, supported by midwives Abi & Sarah.
Written By:
Lesley Bland
Read next
Trying to Conceive with PCOS
PCOS is a common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and fertility, but it does not define your ability to conceive. While cycles can be harder to predict, many people with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right support. Tracking your cycle, making lifestyle adjustments, and speaking to your GP early about fertility support can all help. You are not alone, with informed care, many people with PCOS go on to become parents.
READ
Sex After Birth
Postpartum intimacy isn’t a quick fix, it’s a process. Your body has changed, and so has your relationship with sex. From pelvic floor recovery to shifting libido and emotional adjustments, it’s important to take your time.
Intimacy after birth isn’t just about sex; it’s about connection, communication, and reclaiming your identity. Be patient with yourself and remember, it’s okay to ask for help if needed.
READ
Reconnecting With Your Post Birth Body
Reconnecting With Your Post-Birth BodyPregnancy and birth change your body in profound ways, and it’s normal to feel disconnected afterward. Gentle care, like mirror rituals, self-massage with Stretch Mark Serum, warm soaks with Soak for Bits and Body, or soothing Spritz for Bits helps you reconnect physically and emotionally. Healing takes time, and needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing. Your body has done something extraordinary, be gentle with yourself, and know you’re doing so well.
READ
advice
Midwife Myth Busters
The start of a new year can bring a lot of pressure, especially if you’ve had a baby recently. Everywhere you look, there’s messaging about “getting back to your pre-baby body,” feeling like yourself again, or being endlessly grateful. While well-meaning, these messages can leave new parents feeling stressed, inadequate, or like they’re “failing” at recovery.
As a midwife, I want to bust some of the most common myths that can make postpartum life harder than it needs to be:
READ
