From the beginning of my pregnancy I knew we wanted to have a home birth. I had initially engaged with the NHS and had been following their usual program of scans and regular check-ups. But following a frank discussion with our NHS assigned midwife, the realization came that there was a distinct possibility that the birth would end up being in a hospital setting. This was something I wanted to avoid unless strictly necessary, so my partner and I began to look for private options that would support this choice.

After an initial consultation with Sophie and Natasha over zoom, we knew we had found the right people. Regular visits from them in the comfort of our own home were so helpful and enjoyable, they had really started to put us at ease about home birth and the process this would involve. We always looked forward to their visits, which never felt rushed and all questions and subjects were welcomed with knowledgeable and detailed answers, they even included gifts of delicious pastries! Whenever they left, we felt excited about the journey ahead knowing that we had the full support of two amazing professionals that would guide us on our way.

My labour progressed quickly, and it was only 5-6 hours before we called Sophie as the contractions had become much stronger and more frequent. However, this was the only stage of the labour that did progress quickly! For the next three days I was at home with regular strong contractions, they would ease a little during the day and then pick up again by evening time again. Sophie and Natasha took it in turns to stay at the house throughout this period, their constant presence and reassurance was an incredible help and enabled me to try for a home birth for as long as I could. They had a perfect judgement of when to allow us space as well as when to offer insight or advice when needed. Most of all, they allowed me to lead the way and trust my body and the different directions my birth was taking me. Their passion and dedication to giving me autonomy really helped me believe in myself. They went above and beyond in what turned out to be quite a marathon!

By the end of the third day I had become severely dehydrated and was exhausted, having not been able to eat, or keep fluids down during the three days. They clearly and carefully explained the reasons why they thought a hospital transfer was the next step and Natasha came with us to the hospital. On arrival she facilitated the process of getting us to the delivery suite and settled into a room. Her and Sophie’s prior knowledge of staff members in the hospital, having worked with them in the NHS previously, gave us a feeling that they were able to advocate for us really well and ensure that our wishes were respected by the staff at the hospital.

My labour continued for another 24 hours in the delivery suite. The consultant who was on shift when I first arrived had told us we should have a C-section due to infection risk. However, Sophie and Natasha highlighted that my baby’s heart rate was fine and all my vitals were also fine and there was no need to feel pressured into making that decision. Without their support and advice this may well have been the point when we would have made that choice to have a C-section. I am so grateful to have had them there in moments like these, of which there were many. When I felt had done all I could without much intervention (copious gas & air) I greeted the first epidural with great relief. After a much needed sleep and an ice cream, I was ready to push through and discuss our final options. Oscar had an assisted birth with forceps following another epidural. Sophie came into the theatre room with us and documented the process, as well as being on hand to reassure us during what was a huge new experience and something we had hoped we wouldn’t have to do. The interventions I had initially been scared off prior to the birth, did not seem so scary by this point, in fact it was the opposite, they gave me strength and most importantly meant I was going to finally hold our little boy. The staff in the hospital where amazing and Sophie and Natasha worked brilliantly with them to coordinate my care. We were home the next evening from hospital with Oscar and in our blissful newborn bubble. The home visits in the preceding days where done with such kindness and consideration for us, as well as being on hand on WhatsApp to allay any first-time parents concerns that we had.

We really couldn’t have imagined going through this process without Juno by our side. From start to finish we felt heard and that we had two people who were really on our team and wanted the best outcome for us as a family. We would recommend them to anyone who wants to have more of a say over their birth journey, and we are so grateful for the kindness and compassion they showed us. Looking back on my birth story it’s made me realize that without Juno midwives it's possible that parts of my experience could have been traumatic, given the nature of my labour. Too often women and their partners are pressured into making decisions without being given the whole picture and are given advise that is usually based on statistics that aren't always kind or trusting in a women's individual birthing abilities. However, Juno equipped me with the knowledge and confidence that whatever direction my labour took me there was always time to make informed decisions, therefore empowering me even in emergency situations.

The weeks leading up to labour spent with Sophie meant we were prepared with a birth plan that included many possible outcomes. From hospital transfers and emergency interventions to cord clamping, placenta tours and labour playlists. For me what felt most important was having autonomy and not feeling rushed or pressured. Especially in the event of going to the hospital. I knew I felt safe with Sophie and Natasha and that they understood my needs and wishes.

They held me through the most transformative experience of my life. They allowed me to squeeze their hands with the bionic strength that birthing women harness in the depths of their labour. They held my gaze as I breathed through intense surges like I was staring into their souls. We laughed more than I thought too! Birth has taught me I'm a hell of a lot stronger and determined than I thought possible. As someone who has struggled with self doubt for most of my life, I don't feel like giving in as easily to it anymore.

This new outlook has been fundamental in my recovery. I accepted all the help I could get without guilt. Juno were at my bedside reassuring me that my body was healing well, and I wouldn't feel this broken forever. I hadn't given the aftermath much thought as the birth had been more pressing. However, creating a bubble of carers for those initial 2 weeks was vital. I honestly don't think I'd be as mentally and physically stable now if it weren't for my impeccable aftercare. It allowed me to give everything to being Oscar's mum in those first weeks, so tender, intimate and filled with learning. Blissful joy, tears, so many tears! Bouts of anxiety but overriding pride and wonder for my little human and the beauty of watching the 3 of us learning how to navigate our new family.

I can only hope women all over the world could have access to the profoundly attentive care and professionalism that we received from Sophie and Natasha.