YOUR BODY, YOUR BABY,
YOUR BIRTH
Paula and Simon's Story
Eva is Paula & Simon's 1st baby; she was born at home in the bathroom.
We first approached Debs & Jude after feeling the NHS provisions we were being offered was not positively in favour of a home birth for a first time mum. I wanted to develop a trusting relationship with my midwife, with continuity of care and a woman centred approach, which stressed birth as a natural process and not a medical one. We also wanted an approach, which would include an open two-way discussion between the midwife, Simon & myself.
We got all of this & more with Debs & Jude. From the initial consultation we felt comfortable with their approach & also impressed that they used substantial research based evidence to ground their work. This was presented to us, or papers brought to help us make our decisions. I was so relieved that I burst into tears, as I knew I would get the care and water birth I wanted. We were also relieved that Purdy our greyhound could be included in the experience as a recognised part of the family!
The antenatal visits were fun & informative & how we kept an eye on "grapefruit" as she was known then was inclusive, Simon got to have a listen too. They were also conveniently arranged to suit us all.
The birth was great, Debs & Jude were there from the first water leaking moments for advise and support on the end of the phone, even at early hours of the morning! They came over when needed and throughout the whole process they were supportive of both of us; there when we needed them and in the background when we didn't. We can't thank them enough for helping Eva's arrival into the world being calm, relaxed & safe. It's made a difference to us all, & it's amazing how many people can fit into a small bathroom!
And afterwards. Their creative approach to the placenta as part of Eva means it is now helping to grow a beautiful tree and was a moving part of saying good-bye to the pregnancy & hello to Eva. They were there again when we needed them, initially daily and Jude's breast-feeding advice meant we got off to a great start. As a family we got support & advice on all aspects of Eva's care as well as our own well being as we adjusted to being parents. Purdy got plenty of fuss too!
We were sad when it finally came time to end but we were ready, & now we know Debs & Jude in friendship, & you never know we might take advantage of their buy one get one free offer!
Our private, alternative service brings you an independent midwife for continuity of care and home birth. Centred on our base in Ilkley (in West Yorkshire in the north of England), we operate as self-employed midwives. Our freelance practice covers Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Keighley, Oakworth, Howarth, Skipton, Settle, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ilkley, Otley, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster, Goole, Selby, York, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Thirsk, Northallerton, Settle, Kendal, Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Bury, Wigan, Rochdale, Oldam, Lancashire and South Cumbria.