LORRAINE'S BIRTH STORY

Scott and I consulted with a number on Independent Midwives, but from the moment we welcomed Tamara into our home we knew we were in safe hands. She instantly put us at ease as she confidently explained what we could expect from her care. All visits were done at home at a time that suited us (important as we both work long hours). Appointments were relaxed but informative and covered everything that we would need to know before the ‘big day’.

We opted for a home birth that was to be natural for me and active for Scott. HE felt really involved when Tamara suggested that he help to deliver the baby.

When the labour finally started I felt surprisingly relaxed and calm. We contacted Tamara who arrived within an hour and a half (it was 6am!) much to Scott’s delight – he was secretly panicking. My progressed quickly and Tamara contacted a back-up midwife who arrived once I was fully dilated. Tamara gave me lots of tips on dealing with the pain and was always there encouraging and reassuring me. Scott was kept informed of every step and Tamara helped him to offer me the correct support during contractions.

The birth was an amazing, empowering and painful experience. To be in our own home with one-to-one care made it very special. Tamara’s care was intimate but not intrusive. It felt as though we were alone to enjoy our experience but with her expertise there on standby.

Scott was the first person to touch our son and the bonding was instant.

Whilst I relaxed in a bath that she had run for me to sooth my muscles, she even changed the bed linen…you don’t get care like that in the NHS!

In the weeks that followed the birth Tamara gave advice on everything from bathing, changing, and most importantly, breastfeeding. She was always on the end of the phone if I needed help or just a friendly ear to talk to.

I would recommend Tamara to anyone thinking of having an Independent Midwife and hope to keep in touch with her in the future as Oscar grows up and we will definitely call on her again for baby number 2!