"Care and dream birth of our son at the FBC"

I was looked after by the wonderful Olivia during my pregnancy. She guided and educated us on all things pregnancy related, our care options and preparation for birth. I went into labour on the evening of the 14th of April- and laboured throughout the night. I rang the FBC and the lovely Steph answered the phone and guided me throughout.

I attended the FBC at 7am and when Steph checked me I was 2cm dilated and had not slept all night- however baby was very low down. Steph offered me some pain relief medication, so I could go home and rest awhile.

I laboured throughout the next day as well and things began to become more intense. My husband rang Steph and we decided to go in around 7pm.

Steph was so supportive, but also gave us space. I laboured with gas and air and then as I progressed I moved into the pool and we had a dream water birth- everything we had hoped for. My husband and myself welcomed our beautiful healthy baby boy at 23.46 on 15/06/26 on his due date- weighing an impressive 4.2kg, with midwives Steph and Sophie by our sides.

We were so well looked after at the FBC- they listened to what we wanted, how I was feeling and showed me so much support and encouragement for my first birth and becoming first time parents. My fear was that I would become overwhelmed in labour and panic. However, everything was so calm and relaxed, I had no medical interventions and they had me believing in my body and what it was capable of doing during labour and my capabilities to breastfeed.

From their early education prenatally on breast feeding and guidance post birth- I have been able to exclusively breast feed. Also, the education and labour preparation provided meant I was informed about choices and had an extremely quick and straight forward recovery post birth. We were discharged around 4am and were able to go home to the comfort of our own home. Over the next few days we were supported at home by midwives Olivia and Katie- their patience and guidance in our first few days as parents was so valuable and an amazing support- thank yous. I think the midwives in the FBC are absolute angels- who make dream births a reality.