... Stephanie's Birth Story continued...
Marijn was very helpful in planning the birth, clarifying the different stages and what different pain relief was available and generally guiding me in my decisions. With my first child I didn’t have much idea, but expected to give birth in hospital with the help of an epidural…. After having discussed the details with Marijn, I was confident that she would support me in my decision when the day came.
As it happened, the epidural was not an option on the day, but I trusted Marijn to do everything she could to get me through the birth with the least pain and would respect my wishes as far as was possible. She got me into a room with a birthing pool and although the birth felt (and was!) painful, I was grateful for the relief of being in water. Throughout the birth Marijn was very calming and supportive, totally in charge, and I feel that by getting to know her through the months of pregnancy, my midwife became a real partner in the birth, someone I could comfortable relate to. My partner found that she was very much in charge but with a light touch and appreciated that she involved him in the work and helped him being fully part of the experience.
After Miles was born, Marijn’s support was also priceless. I had to stay in hospital for 24 hours and was very grateful for her presence and expertise when a flow of staff midwives were pushing me to do things and confusing me with contradicting advice. Likewise, when I got home, the follow up visits were very welcome, and as well as checking Miles up and helping with the first bath, first nappy rash etc… she was here too to give me intense courses in breastfeeding! She was a big part in our success … and it didn’t look good at first!
When I was pregnant with my second baby it was a relief to find I could be followed by Marijn again. I had the regular visits at home and this time I was considering a home birth. I thought that if the epidural wasn’t going to be available again, I might as well be at home – the pain had been manageable after all! I discussed it extensively with Marijn over a few months as it was a big decision for me, but finally felt confident all would be well, I knew I was in good hands.
On the night, my labour progressed quite quickly. Unfortunately, Marijn wasn’t there but another great midwife (someone I had also met before) was standing in, and when I started pushing, Viv arrived. I was in the pool and remember being aware of her presence, but she was very discreet and totally unobtrusive, I went on with the pushing. Until the baby’s shoulders got stuck. This was a very scary moment for me, but before I had time to panic, Viv took over and told me to lean forward and get up. She was clear and firm and her confidence reassured me and I followed her instructions. The movement released the shoulders and Arthur was born. She took him to the area she had prepared to check him and he was in my arms within a few moments. I then moved to my bedroom to be checked myself while my husband and the midwife were packing things up.
A couple of hours later, my husband and I were cuddled up in our bed with our new baby! It was a wonderful experience, and I’ll always have a very fond memory of Jo and Viv for being so supportive and warm as well as efficient and professional. A human dimension is so important: although it is a natural process, if you only deal with anonymous doctors and midwives it could sometimes become quite a technical process. Viv and Marijn did the baby’ first full health examination and the follow up for both of us for a month after Arthur was born. Again dealing with people who know you and your history well saves you from having to describe the birth endlessly to new doctors or nurses.
So in conclusion, I have had two wonderful experiences, and Marijn and her team are greatly responsible for that: for sharing their expertise and being very professional, straightforward, honest and generous. And for being so dedicated to us, they make very happy parents and happy babies.