"My birth story with my second pregnancy"

My birth story began with a pregnancy that was supposed to be filled with excitement and anticipation, but instead became a journey of uncertainty, resilience and learning to trust my body.

When I first became pregnant, I imagined the usual things like watching my baby grow, preparing for her arrival and enjoying those special moments of pregnancy.

Instead, early on at 20-21 weeks, I was diagnosed with a short cervix and needed a cerclage to help keep my baby safe. I never imagined that so much of my pregnancy would be spent attending East Wing Clinic, and spending time at the hospital as an in-patient. From that point, pregnancy changed. There was always that underlying fear of something happening too soon.

Alongside the physical challenges, I was exhausted. My iron was low, and I often felt completely drained. I was trying to continue with life, work and everything else happening around me while carrying the emotional weight of a fragile pregnancy.

And through it all, I had Vicky and Claire from the Family Birth Centre. Vicky was assigned to me from the beginning and I met Claire later in my pregnancy.

Their care became such an important part of my pregnancy. Most importantly, they were open to care for me despite my complications, which was such a relief. They didn’t just care for my medical needs, they cared for me as a person. They listened to my fears and concerns from my previous pregnancy (which there were plenty), my current circumstances and provided a holistic approach to my care.

After a challenging cerclage removal procedure at 37 weeks, there were more uncertainty with post- op bleeding, night time contractions and the constant question of whether labour was finally beginning. Vicky and Claire were there to support me and answer my texts and guide me through the process. Their support and confidence in my ability to have natural physiology birth, even when I doubted myself, was incredible and I am truly grateful for that.

Compared to my pregnancy, my labour and delivery was quick and uncomplicated.

I went into labour at 38 weeks 0 days. I reached the birth centre at 7pm and delivered my baby girl 8:22 pm with zero tears. I was truly astonished at how quick my labour and delivery was, and more than that I am still in disbelief that I managed to give birth without any pain relief and for that, I wholeheartedly accredit my care providers, Vicky and Claire, for making this possible for me.