April’s home birth story

My name is April and I live in the beautiful town of Carrickfergus by the sea.! I am a mother to 5 girls and this is my story that changed my view on childbirth. My first daughter was born ten days over her due date. I was 18 years old and knew nothing of what I was about to experience. My labour was induced. I don’t remember much about it except it was faster than expected (3hrs) and it was very painful. Seven years later I became pregnant with my second baby. As you’d expect, for the most part I was so excited. But as time neared for the birth I was scared and anxious. I decided to read as much as I could and this time round I would hopefully know what to expect. I went on to have another fast hospital birth (2.5hrs), but this time I was more in control and had a much better experience.! Three more years and baby number three was on its way.! As we planned again for the birth, my anxiety grew. My older sister was pregnant too. She was six months ahead of me, also with her 3rd baby. This time round she had planned a home birth. I was very blessed to be at her side as she gave birth to her daughter at home. An experience I’ll never forget and one that encouraged me to start planning my own baby’s birth at home.! After discussing things with my husband and presenting him with information, at 36 weeks pregnant we decided that we’d like to have a home birth. I rang my midwife and she quickly arranged a home visit to talk me through the protocols. This midwife looked after me throughout my previous pregnancies and so I knew her well. She listening to my reasoning and was very supportive and helped me with any concerns that I had. On the day of our baby’s birth, my husband left for work at his usual of 6am. I woke an hour later feeling a little crampy. I had to get up and get my eldest daughter ready for school. After she left the house, I done a little tidy up and had breakfast with my youngest daughter. Soon I realised that I was having contractions. I started counting and timing.! I rang for my mum to call for some reassurance and support, and I rang my husband to make him aware of what was happening. My mum arrived not long after and helped me get towels, sheets etc in a bag for downstairs so we'd have it to hand, just incase. My husband had decided to come home but by then all pains had stopped. My mum went home and I pottered about for a while. By 2pm I was tired and decided to go lie down. I slept for little over an hour, when I heard my eldest daughter come home from school. It wasn’t long before I started having contractions again and I timed them once more. They weren't really that noticeable and I was able to carry on throughout them, noting down the times to keep me right. My mum rang a little while later and invited us to dinner. I originally said yes but had to ring back a little later as I decided I'd rather just stay at home. Dinner time came and I decided to have a bath as I felt the contractions coming stronger but still manageable. My youngest, who was 2.9yrs at the time, joined me in the bath which was a distraction and so everything stopped again. I stayed in the bath for about 45mins with no pain, but as soon as I got out of the water it returned. At this point I rang my sister for a little encouragement and continued walking about the house to keep on my feet. At around 7pm my midwife rang just for a check. She was heading out for the evening and wanted to check if I was ok. I explained that I was feeling fine but had been having some contractions and she decided that she'd call out to see me on the way. She arrived within the half hour and by then I was having to pause in between each contraction but still felt fine and in control! I found it helpful being able to go about as I pleased. I had also been updating my mum via text and soon she also arrived and took over looking after my youngest daughter. My eldest was also pottering up and down the stairs checking in. When the midwife arrived, it was as if my body said "right...let's go!!" and everything seemed to step up a notch. It wasn’t long before my husband started getting the ground sheets and towels in place and the midwife decided that it was time to ring the other midwife to help assist. Time seemed to stand still at this point and I was afraid of looking at the clock incase only minutes had passed.! The second midwife arrived at about 8:30pm along with a trainee! I was aware my mum had popped down and I asked about my youngest, who had just fallen asleep. As a christian, on the lead up to the birth, I had been learning bible verses and had one going over in my head but I couldn’t remember the last part. My sister arrived just as baby was appearing and I asked her to finish the last verse for me..."He restoreth my soul." [Psalm23:3]. That was all I needed... in 3 pushes, out came this little baby. Two hours after my midwife arrived she helped catch baby and handed her to me. Surrounded by my husband, my mum, sister and daughter, we welcomed another beautiful girl. My eldest had been taking photographs, and caught some really precious moments. Once I was able, I moved to the sofa for comfort, to cuddle and to feed. The midwives done a quick check and cleared up before they went home. My youngest had then woke up and she came down stairs still half asleep and at first totally unaware. She sat up beside me for a cuddle and took in the wonder of her little sister. Home birthing for me was just so incredible. It was such an experience for us as a family. I am glad that my eldest, who was 10 at the time, was there to see how birth can and should be. Relaxed, controlled by mum, encouraged and supported by loved ones and of course hard work but literally the best day of our lives. A true miracle. We now have another 2 girls, both of whom were also born at home, surrounded by their sisters and dad. Being in a familiar environment were you feel safe and comfortable is such an important factor when you are at your most vulnerable. The community midwives play such an important role for every mother-to-be. But especially for those who they tend to during birth. They are the ones that see you most and offer you support and encouragement. And so, a special relationship is formed. You feel comfortable and at ease. They know you a little more personally. They understand your fears and anxieties, your plans and desires. When the time comes to give birth, you feel confident that those looking after you know and respect you and your choices, and you know you are safe in their hands in any decisions they have to make on your behalf. Home birth can be wonderful for all concerned and present. For mums who stay in a familiar place they feel safe. For siblings who are able, to see the wonder and miracle of birth, especially the effort. For dads who get to feel part of it and stay close afterwards-there’s no separation. And for midwives, who not only get to support mothers through their pregnancies but get to see the finished work, knowing they’ve helped another family grow and be blessed.