"Birthing Experience at Family Birthing Centre"

When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to give birth at the Family Birth Centre. It aligned with my values and the way I wanted to birth. I applied and got accepted around 8 weeks. 

My husband and I knew we made the right choice as soon as we walked in the doors and was given a tour of the facility. It was really like a home away from home and everyone we came in contact with was fantastic especially our Midwife Mimi. 

Mimi guided us through the pregnancy and what to expect with so much care and support in each appointment. There was absolutely no judgement on my preferences and how we wanted to birth. It made us feel so supported and safe. I knew that at any moment I could reach out and ask any questions which I had to many times.

Majority of my pregnancy was low risk and I had some common pregnancy symptoms like reflux, nausea and swelling. At 40 weeks + 1 day, we went in for our midwife appointment and I was diagnosed with Pre-Eclampsia. This was a surprise because nothing prior indicated otherwise and this meant I no longer could birth in the birthing centre which was devastating for me however Mimi was with us and talked through what would happen and what to expect as we would be going up to the hospital to give birth. 

Even though it wasn't where I wanted to give birth it meant that Mimi could be there for the birth which is what my husband and i really wanted as we built such a great relationship with her and I really wanted her there for the birth. 

I was induced and had to get an epidural because of the blood pressure. I was able to give birth vaginally which is what I hoped for and Mimi really advocated for my preferences throughout the entire process and helped us create the space I had hoped for in the birthing centre. Not only did Mimi ensure we were aware of what was happening and going to happen the entire time, Mimi helped guide me through birthing our baby boy. I felt empowered and supported, We were also able to do delayed cord clamping and skin to skin which was important to me. 

After giving birth the my placenta, I had a post partum hemorrhage and lost 995ml of blood. The entire team was onto it and made sure it was taken care of and I was okay. We were taken to the Adult Care Unit for a few days where I was monitored and we were taken care of so well until discharge. 

Even though my birth didn't go as planned I would go through the birth centre again and would want Mimi to be our midwife. Cannot recommend Mimi enough.