Sadie's Story
After having our first child, Jade in hospital, I assumed that we would do the same for any subsequent children that came along - how wrong was I!!!>
We had a natural home birth that was filmed for a documentary series to be> shown on Sky TV for the Discovery Health Channel!!!
Jade was born in hospital after only a five-hour labour. My waters broke spontaneously at home and a few hours later we arrived at hospital. I was already 4cm when we arrived. I had an epidural immediately and didn't feel any pain after that, including the sensation of pushing. I was really lucky though and had no stitches and came home shortly after having her. I realise now how fortunate I was after hearing other peoples stories and experiences.
A home birth was not something we had ever considered. We both always had the impression that you were better off in hospital should anything go wrong. Also I wasn't sure if I could do the whole natural pain thing - Coz I am quite a wimp!
Having an Independent Midwife was brilliant. It meant I had appointments at my house at times that suited me. Virginia would normally stay for a least an hour each visit, and this time was spent answering all my questions and getting to know each other. The other best part of having an IM was the care you receive for 4 weeks after you've had the baby. Also, Virginia is a breastfeeding specialist, and this was really important to me, as I'd never done it before. Again something I have achieved with her support. It wasn't until I was over 20 weeks pregnant that we booked Virginia, but I must say it was the best thing we ever did. This woman is amazing. I feel like we have gained a friend for life and truly believe that I would not have been able to do it without her support and encouragement.
Virginia completely opened our eyes to the choices available us. The research and evidence she had to support her views was fantastic. I read more books in the last 4 months of my pregnancy, then I had in the past five years!
On April fools day, 13 days past my due date, my waters finally went. I called Virginia to say things were starting and she said to give her a call again once I felt the pace had stepped up. It was 4.30pm and although I was slowly leaking water, I had no real pain until about 8.30pm. We called Virginia again and she said she would make her way. In the meantime I was to go for a walk round the block or have a nice bath. I had already had a bath and didn't really think that did much, but Virginia insisted that I go for a walk round the block. I was in my dressing gown and didn't want to go outside, so just kept doing laps around my lounge until she arrived. I had a birthing ball and a tens machine which helped through the early stages. Once Virginia arrived I felt completely at ease and I was more relaxed. I felt so safe and supported and comfortable being in my own surroundings. I was completely in control. Virginia told me to go with whatever my body was telling my to do and do whatever felt right, including slowly cuddling her swaying from side to side and making such ridiculous breathing noises that I sounded like a kettle boiling on a stove!!!! ( it wasn't until I watched my video back that I realised how silly I sounded and that everyone else in the room was quietly laughing at me!)
After about 3 hours of contractions, it finally got too much and I decided I needed gas and air. I only had this for about 15minutes before Piers was born. I was lying on my side on the sofa Rich and Virginia both holding my hands and stroking my head, telling my how great I was and that I was doing really well, when I got this sudden urge I needed a poo! Virginia said that's a good sign and that baby is probably on its way. At this point I moved into a kneeling squat position and Virginia looked and said "yep I can see your baby's head". She offered me the mirror to look but I declined. I was so focused; I couldn't believe that within a few more minutes I was going to finally meet my baby. With a few pushes his head was born. Throughout my pregnancy this was the one thing I feared most. However, it was the best moment. I could feel everything. Once his head was out, I waited for the next contraction and he came out beautifully. Virginia passed him to me between my legs and I held him to my chest while he was still attached. It was the most amazing thing I have ever done.
To have a completely natural home birth is the most special, intimate and incredible thing anyone can experience. Virginia made the whole thing possible and we will be forever grateful to her.
