"Continuity care model"

I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight how beneficial continuity of care model affected my birth experience.

I started my journey at the Family Birth Center (FBC) because I believe the continuity of care model and natural birth aligned with me. I was introduced to my primary midwife Wendy and was instantly put at ease as I began the process of learning about birth and my body during pregnancy. During the weeks several obstacles arose in my journey which were not typical for my general health and I felt were even a shock to Wendy. What made each hurdle achievable was the unbelievable support from Wendy. Her familiar face, positive and kind words, infinite wealth of knowledge and continued support via multiple avenues. My birth day was again not as planned and was over at the hospital, but the strong supportive person who was with me (and my birth partner) along the whole way was Wendy. She was there to explain things and support us when we didn't know what to do. She was an amazing and professional midwife to be in control of the things that arose during our birth. Having that trusted person who knew us and supported us when we were scared was paramount to how we managed the day.

During the birth, Wendy was amazing and so intuitive. At one stage I looked her in the eyes and begged her for more time and she knew ‘I could do it’. Her advocacy is hard to place into words. This is because we got to know each other and her continual care was key. The fact she was there when I had the sudden induction and unforeseen issues made the fear manageable because I felt completely supported and this is because I trusted her, with my life and my baby's life. I have no doubt that if I was surrounded by only new faces during the whole birth I would have had a different experience.

During the weeks of pregnancy, Wendy offered if I would like to have a student midwife follow my journey. I agreed and Wendy selected someone who would be a great fit, and she was spot on. Again, this is because we spent the time together. Claire (student midwife) was the perfect match. She became an integral part of my journey and in the birth. I have no doubt Claire will become a brilliant midwife in the future especially if she has role models like Wendy.

After our birth, I have some things to work through after some health related things popped up but what I am so sure of is that without Wendy, that key person, the knowledge, the support, the warmth, the familiarity, the guidance, the friendship and the care (among many other things) was paramount for my birth partner and I to have the experience we did. I cannot advocate enough for continuity of care model and find it difficult to put into words how much Wendy means to us. She will always be our angel who helped deliver our miracle.