She was born 41+4wks on the day I was due to have the sweep. The birth was amazing and crazy at the same time. She was almost born in the car, no time to get to Dorchester and so my husband had to make a turn and get us to Poole. Woke up at 4:12 with strong contractions 5mins apart from each other (initially thought they were practice ones again as I had been getting similar ones for the past 3wks), waters partially broke at 4:32, left home @ 5:18 and she was born at 5:48… around 10mins after I arrived at the hospital. Unfortunately/fortunately things happened so fast that there was no time for a water birth (what I wanted) and instead I gave birth on the floor on all 4s. Also no time for any painkillers… only paracetamol that I had whilst at home.  Placenta “came out” on its own straight after my daughter was out.

I just want to thank you for your support and for sharing your knowledge during the workshop and empowering me/my husband to make the right decisions, and to remind me that my body was made for this moment, was ready for it, + for me to listen to my body, etc. The breathing techniques, etc, were really helpful throughout the whole process, especially during the 3wks of prodromal labour.  I also had a reflexology session and a massage (day before I gave birth) with the professionals recommended by you.

I know things didn’t go as planned in terms of having a water birth with fairy lights on, etc (didn’t even use the comb you gave us for “pain relief”), but I felt way more confident and better prepared this time, and loved (yes I know) the experience overall and amazed at how things flowed naturally. Postpartum/recovery period are also much better this time. Thank you!