Birthing Centre Blog
1st September 2009 | Initial Consultation
“I had only my husband to support me; the midwives kept running in and out because the Hospital labour ward was so busy. Oh, they were all very nice to me but I didn’t really know what was going on, I was lying on the bed with the heartbeat monitor strapped to me and got told to keep breathing on that Gas & Air. But even with James holding my hand I felt so frightened… I asked for more pain relief and that made me feel totally out of control… suddenly there was a rush of people, everyone came into the room and we were told I needed an emergency Caesarean Section because the baby was distressed. So of course we agreed, this was our first baby! But now we wonder if things could have gone differently had I moved around as I wanted to and if we had a Midwife with us all the time…”
This is an initial consultation, where I am listening to Sally and James’s* first birth experience and it sounds all too familiar. I am a Midwife at the Birthing Centre in Northwich, Cheshire. Families approach us for many different reasons. But the most reoccurring theme is continuity of care and having a dedicated Midwife to support them in labour.
It is statistically proven that having the same, known Midwife through pregnancy and birth makes a big difference. It increases normal birth rates and reduces the need for medical intervention. However, despite Government promises this is still not achievable in the NHS. So this is why Sally and James came to see me.
At our private Birthing Centre we can offer dedicated Midwifery care throughout pregnancy, birth and for 6 weeks after. At booking you receive your Lead Midwife’s mobile number, so you can ask her questions at anytime when it concerns you, without waiting for the next appointment. As well as the normal antenatal checks of your blood pressure and urine etc. we also discuss diet and lifestyle, and we invite your best friend or mother-in-law to talk if they disagree with your plans! The new arrival is a big family event and we recognise that each family member can have a big impact on how you feel about your baby’s birth.
Your Lead Midwife will support your birth at home, in our purpose- built Birthing centre or at your local hospital if you wish. During parent education sessions we will discuss your individual options and choices. Safety is absolutely paramount in our practice, so if your pregnancy or birth doesn’t go as planned we will explain to you why perhaps your birth plan should be changed. But we will always respect your choices, because this is your baby after all!
“So what if…” I hear Sally* say. Well, you and your baby’s health are the most important factor, so if nothing goes to plan and you have to have a Caesarean Section in hospital this time, you will both be assured that you tried your best to avoid it, you know why or even chose to have this Caesarean and you will have your new best friend- your Midwife- with you all the way, including helping you to breastfeed and cope with the recovery afterwards.
Some of my clients said recently that they considered a private Midwife a luxury when they first booked, but in hindsight they know they could not have had the level of support, care or choice anywhere else! Rachel* said: “Luxury? Oh no! Absolutely essential! We’re saving up to have the full package next time!”
(* Names changed.)