juno midwives

I contacted Juno Midwives late on a Sunday evening, at 37 weeks pregnant, in a state of panic. After visiting my local hospital that day, I was very sure that the only place I felt safe enough to give birth, where I’d be most comfortable and where I could create the optimum environment, was in the sanctuary of my own home.

Sophie and Natasha responded straight away to my email, and within 48 hours had visited myself and my husband, Adam, and we were good to go. The birth pool was sourced, the fairy lights were up, and I made a playlist of my favourite music. We ordered a TENS machine, went on lots of walks, and I bounced on a birthing ball, all whilst listening to daily relaxation tapes and positive mantras. Sophie and Natasha took over my care, and visited me on a weekly basis, creating a personal bond that gave me complete confidence going towards my due date.

5 days over, I had a chat with Sophie regarding my options. Sophie was happy to let me carry on for as long as I was comfortable, given that our baby seemed quite happy, and I too was well. As it turned out, I didn’t have to wait long at all! The following day I started to experience mild cramping, and as the day progressed these started to intensify to average period like pains.

Sophie pre-warned me, that I would know when I was in labour, as I would go off my food. With a half-eaten quiche left on my plate, Adam made the call. By 1am the TENS machine was on my back, the contractions were coming quicker, and the playlist was on. My mucus plug (unbeknownst to me) had fallen out, and I made myself as comfortable as possible on the sofa. With Sophie frequently monitoring myself and baby, Adam took control of the TENs machine, buzzing whenever I told him to, and eventually my waters broke.

Whilst I stayed in my zone, breathing through each contraction, Sophie and Adam set up the birth pool in the corner of our living room, and by 4am I was relaxing in the warm water, just as Natasha arrived. I continued with my breathing techniques, and started to push when I felt the urge. Sophie and Natasha were there throughout, never intruding, but also keeping an eye on both myself and our baby. Natasha stepped in to hold my hand as Adam and Sophie refilled the deflating pool (an unexpected occurrence met with calmness and laughter!)

Just as the sun rose, our beautiful baby boy, Louis, was born. Sophie and Natasha helped me and Louis onto the sofa, where we had skin to skin for hours, and Louis started to feed. Sophie and Natasha quietly tidied up as Adam dished out the doughnuts, and they stayed well into the early afternoon. Juno Midwives continued with our postnatal care for the following two weeks, coming to visit (for often over 2 hours at a time) for the first five days, then every other day, until it was time to say goodbye.

Contacting Juno Midwives was the best decision we’ve ever made. Sophie and Natasha enabled me and Adam to have the birth of dreams. I felt genuinely cared for from the moment I met them, and most importantly I felt heard. Sophie and Natasha respected my wishes, were kind and compassionate at all times; and always asked for my consent, meaning I always felt in control. There was never any need for an internal examination during my labour, which allowed me to maintain my concentration, and stay within my birthing zone. Because of this, I never required gas & air, nor suffered any tears. I’ve personally come away from the experience on a high, and feel confident I could do it all again, with Sophie and Natasha by my side.

To have a birth where your midwives are with you at all times, supporting you and making you feel safe, feels like a privilege, and we feel very blessed to have had the birth experience we had, along with the amazing aftercare. Sophie and Natasha brought joy and excitement into our home, and will remain life-long friends.