We chose to work with Juno for my second baby as I was planning a VBAC. My older daughter, now 4, was born by emergency cesarean following an induction that didn’t progress. Whilst this was a positive experience overall, I wanted to avoid another induction or emergency c-section. I learned that planning a home birth would increase my chances of a VBAC and I liked knowing that my midwives would definitely be available.

I loved having antenatal appointments with Natasha and Sophie at home, it was very relaxed and they felt more like friends in no time. It was special that my older daughter could attend the appointments to involve her, she was so excited about her new sibling and this contributed to the lovely bond she has with them today.

I was disheartened to get to 41 weeks with no signs of labour, but Natasha and Sophie brought the oxytocin vibes with an encouraging visit. I was excited to go into spontaneous labour a few days later. I was in early labour for nearly a week, having contractions during the night which got more intense each night and then stopped almost completely during the day, it was a bizarre experience! Natasha came out on two nights, once when I thought I was going into active labour and a couple of nights later to try different positions to encourage my baby to move. We believed they were back to back and trying to turn around which was why the labour wasn’t progressing. When I reached 42 weeks 2 days (or 42 by my cycle dates) I chose to go into hospital to discuss my options. Natasha came along and was a fantastic advocate, helping me avoid feeling unduly pressured and to create space to make my own decisions. I chose to go in for an elective cesarean the next day, as by this point the labour seemed to be fading and I didn’t feel comfortable to keep trying until 43 weeks. Natasha came for the birth and was a fantastic advocate for my preferences to be met. I held my baby (a surprise girl!) straight after she came out and enjoyed uninterrupted skin to skin in the theatre for over an hour. Natasha gave immediate breastfeeding support which got our journey off to a great start and meant that I didn’t have any discomfort this time around.

Whilst I was disappointed that my birth didn’t go to plan (again!), having Juno meant that I got to experience all of the benefits of home birth without the birth at home - pregnancy appointments on my sofa with our daughter, labouring at home with fairylights, a birth pool and Natasha’s support, making my own choices for my care, then calm postnatal appointments with my trusted midwives for continuity. I’m sure this also helped me have minimal discomfort and a quick recovery after the c-section.

We ended our journey by taking prints of my placenta which was fun, a nice closure and reclaiming of my home birth to end as we began, at home holding my baby.

Thinking back about my birth, I think most fondly about the parts with Juno! They have given me life skills to advocate for me and my children’s needs, such as breastfeeding during vaccinations (which was declined in the past so I went along with it) which meant my baby was calmer.

To others considering hiring Juno, do it! It was an investment but totally worth it, a woman’s birth experience matters too.