"Family Birth Centre Birth x 2"

I’ve now had two births at King Edward Memorial through Family Birth Centre. I had the same midwife Shardalee who honestly was so amazing and always gave such good reassurance with all of my concerns and questions. She was so cruisy and easy to approach and contact and it honestly felt like a best friend during my two pregnancy journeys! The continuity of care and support from her is something I cherish!

My first birth I started in the birth centre but due to baby turning posterior and my pain exceeding past what I could cope with I went up to the hospital still with Shardalee by my side. I ended up having a long labour and did have to change midwives but Shardalee still checked in with messages and made the effort to make sure she was at the visits after.

My second birth was just around a month ago and was a very quick fast labour. Shardalee was on days off but did message to keep me informed so I knew which midwives would be on. The first time I called to let them know my contractions were building the widwife I got did seem a little dismissive and said that I was still okay because I called and was talking through them ect. I waited a few more minutes sent Shardalee a text just keeping her updated and she immediately replied telling to call again because she knew this labour was going to be quick for me.

I called again at this time my waters broke and had a different midwife Ang who said to meet at the birth centre. We made it to the birth centre but my partner had to call Ang back because I could feel the baby pushing down and my body was trying to push.

We went up to the hospital again where Claire and Ang met me very quickly and within 45 - 55 minutes I had birthed my baby At 4.6KG with just gas and air & warm compresses. These two midwives were so patient and understanding as my labour was so fast I couldn’t control and work through my contractions like last time. They kept reassuring the whole way through and even though I probably didn’t listen to some suggestions they still let me do whatever was easier for myself.

They always make me feel like I am in control of the situation and make sure all decisions and procedures are explained in detail. Ang was great on the phone as well, she listened at I was having contractions and understood that they were building and was happy for me to come in. These two were an amazing duo to have during my birthing experience.

The only thing I was a little put off by was the first phone call that I felt was dismissed a little because I did almost birth my baby on the road if I hadn’t had that message from Shardalee to say call again and head in. Just I believe it could have been a very interesting public birth if I hadn’t gone when I did.

Shardalee came to visit as soon as she could and talked the birth through with me and even though the birth was over went through in detail all the things that occurred in the small amount of time. It made me feel even more empowered that I birthed my baby how I did. She did the final visit and discharge which I always get so sad about because it feels like goodbye even though I know I’ll be back at the FBC with these amazing midwives!

I can’t express how much positive good words and thoughts I have on Shardalee I highly recommend her to everyone but also applaud her and the birth centre for having such amazing well trained and highly knowledgeable midwives and team there! They are so passionate about women birth babies and labour! Thank you so much for making my two pregnancy and births so positive and an experience that I loved!