A few birth stories from previous clients
Ellen, Paul and baby
"We booked Elizabeth as our midwife quite early on in my pregnancy. We'd had consultations with two other independent midwives who were both very nice, but within minutes of Elizabeth walking into our lives, I had the feeling that she was the one I needed to see me through my first pregnancy.
I always looked forward to my appointments with her because of her warm and professional manner. I instantly felt relaxed as soon as she arrived which was important because I'd been going through a very emotional time. My mother had died a few days after I found out I was pregnant and I was thrown right off centre. I worried that my bereavement was going to affect my pregnancy and prevent me from properly bonding with my baby, but Elizabeth helped me grieve in a way that didn't result in me feeling guilty. I actually cried more tears with Elizabeth than I did with my therapist.
Elizabeth gave us brilliant advice for my general health and got us both eating and enjoying foods we'd not had before. She is a great resource for information about diet and general health. She made me all sorts of things to help me relax when I went over my due date. I remember bath salts with rose petals, a mineral face mask and a mixture of essential oils to rub on my huge tummy! She told me to go for boat rides on the Thames, picnics in the park, long baths, reflexology and acupuncture and helped me record an answer phone message that made all the difference to my evenings. I'd been frustrated from answering the phone to well meaning colleagues at work, friends and family all wondering ''have you had the baby yet?'' I took her up on pretty much every suggestion she gave me and consequently felt well completely pampered!
Elizabeth gave us lots of professional articles about induction which we discussed in the sunny garden. We didn't feel pushed one bit, but agreed that a scan to check that the placenta was still healthy was the best thing to do.
The morning of our scan at St Georges, Elizabeth got an excited call from me to say labour had at last begun! After asking me a few questions that gave her the reassurance she needed to go to her next client, she arrived at our house looking completely relaxed and organised with a kit full of all sorts of things that probably never made it outside the box. She even cancelled the scan for us so they weren't kept waiting- how considerate.
The mood of the day was like no other day ever. It was like a gentle celebration all the way through. We all trusted each other equally and I loved the fact that I felt so comfortable- no hang up to hold me back from being myself. Once the membrane burst (with a huge gush on the kitchen floor!), the contractions came thick and fast. I couldn't believe the intensity of it, but at the same time, everything Elizabeth had helped me to realise meant that I wasn't afraid or trying to escape what I can honestly say was the worst pain I'd ever had. I was relaxed as I could have been and definitely entered that zone women talk about. It was a long labour, but at last my body just did it and boom, my beautiful boy was born into my hands! I can't say how this felt, but there were plenty of tears from me and Paul.
After the placenta was out, Elizabeth checked me very carefully and gave me some stitches. Luckily I was able to breastfeed at the same time. Then she tucked up me, baby and Paul in bed for some time alone. When she came back in, she had a tray full of food that she had me choose when I was still pregnant. I was eating raspberries every day, so she brought those in with cream, dates, halva, honey on toast and orange juice. I was so hungry!
Elizabeth's postnatal care was of the same high quality as what came before. My stitches healed quickly, but I found breastfeeding very challenging. It was a learning curve and I honestly believe that if I hadn't had Elizabeth as our midwife, I would have given up. I had very sore nipples for several days. Elizabeth reassured me that the mechanics worked fine, my positioning was fine, but that the skin needed to get used to this new treatment. Sure enough, by day 8 or so I wasn't wanting to scream and by week 2, me and baby were completely over the hurdle. I breastfed for over a year and a half.
Need I go further than to say that I was more than happy enough with my midwife? Elizabeth ticked all the right boxes and others that we didn't even know existed. If you choose her, you're in brilliant hands."
Ruth, Matthew and baby
''It was an amazing birth Elizabeth and it really wouldn't have turned out the way it did had it not been for you and your amazing midwifery. You were sent from heaven - and the experience has shaped my entire life since then.''
Vanessa, Richard and baby
"Elizabeth accompanied us through my pregnancy until the safe delivery of our daughter at home, a very hot summers day in June. From the start she supported my choices (having my 1st child at home and 3 weeks late) and always had kind and genuine words towards me and my baby to be. She made a true effort to develop a relationship with my husband, making him feel part of the process, useful and key to the delivery of our baby. On the day she respected my need to be focused and in silence and always made sure I was hydrated, fed and that most importantly that the baby was safe. I will always remember that moment with my husband when our daughter was born in the pool in the living room and the 3 of us were sitting on the couch and Elizabeth made her way into our kitchen and cooked us the most nourishing meal. I don't think any other midwife would have done that! Such kindness, thoughtfulness and love for the 3 of us. Elizabeth that day left us in peace as a family of now 3 and visited regularly to ensure myself and our daughter were doing well. This experience was the most significant one of my life and I believe Elizabeth contributed to the unique connection and bond I have with my daughter today."
Alison, Paul and baby
"I was extremely lucky to have Elizabeth with me throughout the labour and birth of my second child. Her very calm presence and constant reassurance that my body could do this gave me the confidence to achieve a natural birth and to have a massively more positive experience than I had had with my first child. I was very grateful that she was there."
Sue, Ras and baby
"I began looking for an alternative to NHS midwifery care after I fell pregnant with my third child. I had had functional and uneventful midwifery and postnatal support with my first pregnancy. With the exception of breastfeeding support, it was adequate. In the late stages and postnatal period of my second pregnancy, my baby and I were badly let down by the NHS care we received and I lost my second daughter at two days old.
When I fell pregnant with my third child I started looking at alternatives and considered doulas and independent midwives. Following a recommendation I met Elizabeth. The independent midwifery care she gave me and my family was entirely different from the NHS care I had experienced in either of my previous pregnancies. From the beginning Elizabeth's independent midwifery was holistic. Her care encompassed and supported me and my family and she gave us continuity of care from early pregnancy, the birth and postnatal periods. Elizabeth was always calm, her kindness and support unwavering. It was wonderful and reassuring to have a clear care plan set out early in the pregnancy and to have someone who I could contact directly should I ever need advice.
I decided to have a hospital birth and Elizabeth worked seamlessly alongside the NHS, liasing with my GP and the maternity department at the hospital to ensure all information was clearly shared to enable the best care to be provided at all times. Elizabeth was with us during the labour and water birth, supporting us and communicating our needs throughout. I am so grateful to have had Elizabeth by my side at a time when I was anxious and fearful. Her support helped to make the birth of my son a lovely experience.
Our postnatal care commenced while we were still in hospital and seamlessly continued into our home following our discharge. I had not been successful in breastfeeding my daughter and I very much doubt I would have succeeded and enjoyed it so much without Elizabeth’s guidance. It was not easy to learn but we eventually got on so well that my son and I continued well beyond the weaning stage and loved it!
The midwifery, birth and postnatal period of care were outstanding. The continuity of care we received during the pregnancy meant Elizabeth knew us, our history and care needs thoroughly.
Elizabeth’s passion for midwifery, her care and personal qualities are unique. She worked with us and alongside our trauma and fears and gained our trust and respect. She gave us emotional care, practical support and she gave us time to listen and time to be heard. I am so grateful that Elizabeth was part of such an important time in my life and I am thankful for the time she spent as part of my family."
Masha, Killian and baby
"After previous cesarean section, expecting a big baby I really wanted to have a natural birth but after a few meetings with the consultant in the hospital we realised that chances for that were tiny. That's why we decided to sign a contract with the independent Birth Centre in order to go on this way with like-minded people. Elizabeth was one of them. She supported us through the last months of pregnancy and accompanied me during the labour and after. Elizabeth is a very spiritual person. She gave us all her love, care and support. We had to move from the Birth centre to the hospital and she did all her best to make this place warm, friendly and safe. So finally our magnetic 11 lb boy Matthew, healthy and beautiful, naturally arrived in this world. Elizabeth even washed me in the room as I was too weak to go to the shower. The whole experience was amazing! We are incredibly grateful to you, Elizabeth, for all your help. It was a pleasure to meet you and invite you to our lives! Thanks a million again and good luck!"
Stokely, Chris and baby
"My fourth child saw me living in France. Realising that independent midwifery is virtually illegal there (liability insurance issues), I came back to the UK as the French are highly interventionist.
I went to stay at the "outlaws" and my then partner carried on working on our house in France. Having the baby at the outlaws’ house wouldn’t have been appropriate. However, I had found a local independent doula who was willing to let me have the baby in her house with a large birthing pool. She too was on holiday, however, and the NHS midwife I was assigned told me to iron my underpants to cut down on risk of infection among other bits of voodoo and prepare myself for not having the baby at home.
Then I met Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and I went for a few walks together. She sounded me out about what kind of support I felt I needed. Elizabeth can read people: it’s non-intrusive, but profound. I knew I was very safe. I explained that actually I didn’t want the mad NHS midwife near me at all.
I went into labour around 11pm. Elizabeth and I left the house just past midnight at the moment my then partner arrived from France. We had a fun car journey and a fun time filling up the birthing pool and lighting a fire. It was all good humoured with us each getting on with our separate tasks. Birth as smooth as could be and completely hands off – no poking or prodding, no bright lights. The most challenging bit for me was the placenta as my contractions seemed to get far more brutal. Elizabeth made and fed me the most wonderful fruit salad afterwards. That was really nice: blueberries, a fire, and a brand-new baby. We were back at the outlaws by 6am.
Afterwards
Elizabeth’s care over the next couple of weeks was perfect, and perfectly tuned to see that I got the level of attention I wanted (minimal but caring in my case). She made up her own little health-kit of homeopathic medicines and other things for me. This was very useful.
Strangely, I think this was also particularly useful for the outlaws. My mother-in-law did confide to me what I’m sure she’s never told anyone about her own birth experience – being left alone in a room to just get on for a day; feeling humiliated, like she wasn’t doing things properly.
General
So reviewing this, I see I’ve told you very little about Elizabeth and very much about other things, the things she is not: not a bully, not interventionist. Let me emphasise that this was a beautifully positive and caring birth; also very professional. I have no worries about her ability to handle a far more complicated birth with the calm and skill necessary. Were I having more babies, I would seek to have them with Elizabeth.
I speak up to my friends the value of an independent midwife and the need for a strong advocate of your own wellbeing rather than labour ward efficiency. Far too many have deeply demoralising, destructive experiences. This isn’t necessary. I don’t know why we do this to women.
Ekaternia and baby
I’d heard amazing things about Elizabeth from my friend who had her as her midwife, so when I found out I was expecting my first baby she was one of the first people I contacted. She knew I had financial issues and even though I wasn't even sure I could afford her care, had several long conversations with me on the phone. She gave me good advice about how to approach my NHS midwives who had said I couldn’t have the home birth I wanted because I was 42 and ‘’too much of a risk’’. Also my iron levels were really low. She arranged a meeting at the hospital with the midwifery manager to see if they could make an exception and even came with me. When the answer was still a no, I realised I had to somehow make it happen. Elizabeth knew I had financial issues and wouldn’t be able to pay the full amount so I was delighted that she was able to make an exception and I could pay instalments. I followed all her advice, my iron levels quickly improved to healthy levels and then I had energy to start really enjoying the mystery and magic of being pregnant without all the worries about how I was going to give birth. I relaxed more and more every time she came to see me.
We spent many long hours together and I always felt very at liberty to talk about how I was feeling. My relationship was ending and I separated from my partner when I was in my second trimester. My family were in Russia and at times felt very on my own. Honestly I don’t know how I would have gone with the emotions of my pregnancy without her very special care. I usually cried as much as I laughed whenever she came to do my antenatal appointments because I felt safe enough to. She is not a judgemental person. My labour went well even though I was having irregular, but strong contractions for a whole day before I start to dilate. My big fear was that I’d end up in hospital because it was so slow, but she checked me at regular times to make sure everything was still ok with me and my baby which it was. My baby was a ‘’caul baby’’ which is very rare and some believe lucky. Elizabeth is a very rare sort of person who has a special gift in making people feel completely safe and she’s also very sensible and I never felt I was in risk even when labour became regular. I felt she knew me a like best friend. I’m sure she can read minds because she at all times knew just what I needed throughout it. I was so happy and felt that she shared my happiness with me. I don’t think it would have been the same with anyone else.
Her postnatal care was incredible and she gave me so much help and advice. There are many things I wouldn’t have had the confidence with or known about if she hadn’t spent so many hours with me. Breastfeeding was difficult at first and every day there was a different issue, but none of it was too much for Elizabeth and I never felt guilty or too much hard work for her. She teaches and explains things so easily and never got annoyed with my endless questions.
My daughter is now 8 years old and is a very calm person. and I know it’s because of how she was born. Elizabeth is always in my heart and I thank her every day. It’s her voice that comes to me sometimes when I need to relax. If she can be your midwife, then you are very fortunate.
Nic, Nick and baby
My first labour was so traumatic that I didn't think I'd have more children. I couldn't see how I could repeat pregnancy and have to constantly live with the memory and worry of what had happened before happening again. I'd had a forceps delivery which I now know was because I'd had an epidural and couldn't feel my muscles. My baby was born grey and floppy, needed rescitating and cried for most of a week probably from headache from the forceps. I'd had a double episiotomy (no one said anything about a second one being needed) and lost a lot of blood because of being left to bleed while lying there, away from my baby. It was awful and I thought he had died. When we went home everything was difficult because I couldn't sit down. My stitches felt like agony, I had no energy, couldn't breastfeed because I didn't have enough iron to. I didn't know this was the problem till Elizabeth mentioned that there couldn't have been a link.
I found out that I was pregnant when my daughter turned 3. I was shocked and didn't feel ready at all. I didn't tell my partner for days and didn't tell my doctor for weeks because I didn't want to talk about it and I was confused. I had a new job and remember feeling really down that I was pregnant. It had taken me ages to go back to work and I'd been depressed. I didn't want our world to change again just when things felt positive again. Eventually I decided to tell my new manager who also was pregnant. She was really positive, gave me a hug and told me about The Birth Centre and recommended Elizabeth. She told me things that I couldn't believe were true, things I didn't even know were possible to so with choices and support.
We decided to go for maximum care because of not wanting to risk the same again. Elizabeth had a calming influence on all of us whenever she came to visit. We all grew attached to her because whatever you tell her, you know she isn't just listening, but she's understanding it and she's caring about you! Elizabeth puts you at ease and I'd always feel so good for days after her coming to our house.
All her advice made a difference. I was 85% less anxious by 6 months, but expected to have an increase of anxiety as 9 months approached. Nope! I relaxed 100% and honestly enjoyed the last part even though I was tired and aching. We went past 40 weeks, then past week 41 and almost got as far as week 42. I would have been induced without doubt if it weren't for Elizabeth. She made sure everything was ok with recommending scans and a CTG and eventually the labour started!
We all got to the Birth Centre at the same time in the middle of the night. It was so exciting and it felt so special, like an amazing night out with midwives who are passionate about what they're doing. It was fun and magical and I used all my new strength and confidence. I'd learned hypnobirthing and was surprised that everything seemed so different compared to before. I kept thinking, ''hang on, this is really serious stuff, but we're all enjoying it and we're all involved the way we need to be''. To cut a long story short (12 hours) my boy was born after just a couple of long, slow, pushes. No forceps, no tear, no stitches, no crying - erm, no actually we all cried!
Best night of my life. Did I breast feed? Did I eck! It was so much easier without all the pain of last time and with support. Visits every day were so welcome. It was such a happy time. I had the relief of a safe birth this time and my trauma felt cured by the only thing that could help it to properly go. I breastfed way longer than anyone except my manager. Our babies had been in competition to see who could get the most milk, then both decided to stop around the same time.
I wish everyone could have the same options of care, but realise this quality of care is expensive for a reason. I hope as many people as possible benefit from Elizabeth's care because it might change your life.
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Ellen, Paul and baby
"We booked Elizabeth as our midwife quite early on in my pregnancy. We'd had consultations with two other independent midwives who were both very nice, but within minutes of Elizabeth walking into our lives, I had the feeling that she was the one I needed to see me through my first pregnancy.
I always looked forward to my appointments with her because of her warm and professional manner. I instantly felt relaxed as soon as she arrived which was important because I'd been going through a very emotional time. My mother had died a few days after I found out I was pregnant and I was thrown right off centre. I worried that my bereavement was going to affect my pregnancy and prevent me from properly bonding with my baby, but Elizabeth helped me grieve in a way that didn't result in me feeling guilty. I actually cried more tears with Elizabeth than I did with my therapist.
Elizabeth gave us brilliant advice for my general health and got us both eating and enjoying foods we'd not had before. She is a great resource for information about diet and general health. She made me all sorts of things to help me relax when I went over my due date. I remember bath salts with rose petals, a mineral face mask and a mixture of essential oils to rub on my huge tummy! She told me to go for boat rides on the Thames, picnics in the park, long baths, reflexology and acupuncture and helped me record an answer phone message that made all the difference to my evenings. I'd been frustrated from answering the phone to well meaning colleagues at work, friends and family all wondering ''have you had the baby yet?'' I took her up on pretty much every suggestion she gave me and consequently felt well completely pampered!
Elizabeth gave us lots of professional articles about induction which we discussed in the sunny garden. We didn't feel pushed one bit, but agreed that a scan to check that the placenta was still healthy was the best thing to do.
The morning of our scan at St Georges, Elizabeth got an excited call from me to say labour had at last begun! After asking me a few questions that gave her the reassurance she needed to go to her next client, she arrived at our house looking completely relaxed and organised with a kit full of all sorts of things that probably never made it outside the box. She even cancelled the scan for us so they weren't kept waiting- how considerate.
The mood of the day was like no other day ever. It was like a gentle celebration all the way through. We all trusted each other equally and I loved the fact that I felt so comfortable- no hang up to hold me back from being myself. Once the membrane burst (with a huge gush on the kitchen floor!), the contractions came thick and fast. I couldn't believe the intensity of it, but at the same time, everything Elizabeth had helped me to realise meant that I wasn't afraid or trying to escape what I can honestly say was the worst pain I'd ever had. I was relaxed as I could have been and definitely entered that zone women talk about. It was a long labour, but at last my body just did it and boom, my beautiful boy was born into my hands! I can't say how this felt, but there were plenty of tears from me and Paul.
After the placenta was out, Elizabeth checked me very carefully and gave me some stitches. Luckily I was able to breastfeed at the same time. Then she tucked up me, baby and Paul in bed for some time alone. When she came back in, she had a tray full of food that she had me choose when I was still pregnant. I was eating raspberries every day, so she brought those in with cream, dates, halva, honey on toast and orange juice. I was so hungry!
Elizabeth's postnatal care was of the same high quality as what came before. My stitches healed quickly, but I found breastfeeding very challenging. It was a learning curve and I honestly believe that if I hadn't had Elizabeth as our midwife, I would have given up. I had very sore nipples for several days. Elizabeth reassured me that the mechanics worked fine, my positioning was fine, but that the skin needed to get used to this new treatment. Sure enough, by day 8 or so I wasn't wanting to scream and by week 2, me and baby were completely over the hurdle. I breastfed for over a year and a half.
Need I go further than to say that I was more than happy enough with my midwife? Elizabeth ticked all the right boxes and others that we didn't even know existed. If you choose her, you're in brilliant hands."
Ruth, Matthew and baby
''It was an amazing birth Elizabeth and it really wouldn't have turned out the way it did had it not been for you and your amazing midwifery. You were sent from heaven - and the experience has shaped my entire life since then.''
Vanessa, Richard and baby
"Elizabeth accompanied us through my pregnancy until the safe delivery of our daughter at home, a very hot summers day in June. From the start she supported my choices (having my 1st child at home and 3 weeks late) and always had kind and genuine words towards me and my baby to be. She made a true effort to develop a relationship with my husband, making him feel part of the process, useful and key to the delivery of our baby. On the day she respected my need to be focused and in silence and always made sure I was hydrated, fed and that most importantly that the baby was safe. I will always remember that moment with my husband when our daughter was born in the pool in the living room and the 3 of us were sitting on the couch and Elizabeth made her way into our kitchen and cooked us the most nourishing meal. I don't think any other midwife would have done that! Such kindness, thoughtfulness and love for the 3 of us. Elizabeth that day left us in peace as a family of now 3 and visited regularly to ensure myself and our daughter were doing well. This experience was the most significant one of my life and I believe Elizabeth contributed to the unique connection and bond I have with my daughter today."
Alison, Paul and baby
"I was extremely lucky to have Elizabeth with me throughout the labour and birth of my second child. Her very calm presence and constant reassurance that my body could do this gave me the confidence to achieve a natural birth and to have a massively more positive experience than I had had with my first child. I was very grateful that she was there."
Sue, Ras and baby
"I began looking for an alternative to NHS midwifery care after I fell pregnant with my third child. I had had functional and uneventful midwifery and postnatal support with my first pregnancy. With the exception of breastfeeding support, it was adequate. In the late stages and postnatal period of my second pregnancy, my baby and I were badly let down by the NHS care we received and I lost my second daughter at two days old.
When I fell pregnant with my third child I started looking at alternatives and considered doulas and independent midwives. Following a recommendation I met Elizabeth. The independent midwifery care she gave me and my family was entirely different from the NHS care I had experienced in either of my previous pregnancies. From the beginning Elizabeth's independent midwifery was holistic. Her care encompassed and supported me and my family and she gave us continuity of care from early pregnancy, the birth and postnatal periods. Elizabeth was always calm, her kindness and support unwavering. It was wonderful and reassuring to have a clear care plan set out early in the pregnancy and to have someone who I could contact directly should I ever need advice.
I decided to have a hospital birth and Elizabeth worked seamlessly alongside the NHS, liasing with my GP and the maternity department at the hospital to ensure all information was clearly shared to enable the best care to be provided at all times. Elizabeth was with us during the labour and water birth, supporting us and communicating our needs throughout. I am so grateful to have had Elizabeth by my side at a time when I was anxious and fearful. Her support helped to make the birth of my son a lovely experience.
Our postnatal care commenced while we were still in hospital and seamlessly continued into our home following our discharge. I had not been successful in breastfeeding my daughter and I very much doubt I would have succeeded and enjoyed it so much without Elizabeth’s guidance. It was not easy to learn but we eventually got on so well that my son and I continued well beyond the weaning stage and loved it!
The midwifery, birth and postnatal period of care were outstanding. The continuity of care we received during the pregnancy meant Elizabeth knew us, our history and care needs thoroughly.
Elizabeth’s passion for midwifery, her care and personal qualities are unique. She worked with us and alongside our trauma and fears and gained our trust and respect. She gave us emotional care, practical support and she gave us time to listen and time to be heard. I am so grateful that Elizabeth was part of such an important time in my life and I am thankful for the time she spent as part of my family."
Masha, Killian and baby
"After previous cesarean section, expecting a big baby I really wanted to have a natural birth but after a few meetings with the consultant in the hospital we realised that chances for that were tiny. That's why we decided to sign a contract with the independent Birth Centre in order to go on this way with like-minded people. Elizabeth was one of them. She supported us through the last months of pregnancy and accompanied me during the labour and after. Elizabeth is a very spiritual person. She gave us all her love, care and support. We had to move from the Birth centre to the hospital and she did all her best to make this place warm, friendly and safe. So finally our magnetic 11 lb boy Matthew, healthy and beautiful, naturally arrived in this world. Elizabeth even washed me in the room as I was too weak to go to the shower. The whole experience was amazing! We are incredibly grateful to you, Elizabeth, for all your help. It was a pleasure to meet you and invite you to our lives! Thanks a million again and good luck!"
Stokely, Chris and baby
"My fourth child saw me living in France. Realising that independent midwifery is virtually illegal there (liability insurance issues), I came back to the UK as the French are highly interventionist.
I went to stay at the "outlaws" and my then partner carried on working on our house in France. Having the baby at the outlaws’ house wouldn’t have been appropriate. However, I had found a local independent doula who was willing to let me have the baby in her house with a large birthing pool. She too was on holiday, however, and the NHS midwife I was assigned told me to iron my underpants to cut down on risk of infection among other bits of voodoo and prepare myself for not having the baby at home.
Then I met Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and I went for a few walks together. She sounded me out about what kind of support I felt I needed. Elizabeth can read people: it’s non-intrusive, but profound. I knew I was very safe. I explained that actually I didn’t want the mad NHS midwife near me at all.
I went into labour around 11pm. Elizabeth and I left the house just past midnight at the moment my then partner arrived from France. We had a fun car journey and a fun time filling up the birthing pool and lighting a fire. It was all good humoured with us each getting on with our separate tasks. Birth as smooth as could be and completely hands off – no poking or prodding, no bright lights. The most challenging bit for me was the placenta as my contractions seemed to get far more brutal. Elizabeth made and fed me the most wonderful fruit salad afterwards. That was really nice: blueberries, a fire, and a brand-new baby. We were back at the outlaws by 6am.
Afterwards
Elizabeth’s care over the next couple of weeks was perfect, and perfectly tuned to see that I got the level of attention I wanted (minimal but caring in my case). She made up her own little health-kit of homeopathic medicines and other things for me. This was very useful.
Strangely, I think this was also particularly useful for the outlaws. My mother-in-law did confide to me what I’m sure she’s never told anyone about her own birth experience – being left alone in a room to just get on for a day; feeling humiliated, like she wasn’t doing things properly.
General
So reviewing this, I see I’ve told you very little about Elizabeth and very much about other things, the things she is not: not a bully, not interventionist. Let me emphasise that this was a beautifully positive and caring birth; also very professional. I have no worries about her ability to handle a far more complicated birth with the calm and skill necessary. Were I having more babies, I would seek to have them with Elizabeth.
I speak up to my friends the value of an independent midwife and the need for a strong advocate of your own wellbeing rather than labour ward efficiency. Far too many have deeply demoralising, destructive experiences. This isn’t necessary. I don’t know why we do this to women.
Ekaternia and baby
I’d heard amazing things about Elizabeth from my friend who had her as her midwife, so when I found out I was expecting my first baby she was one of the first people I contacted. She knew I had financial issues and even though I wasn't even sure I could afford her care, had several long conversations with me on the phone. She gave me good advice about how to approach my NHS midwives who had said I couldn’t have the home birth I wanted because I was 42 and ‘’too much of a risk’’. Also my iron levels were really low. She arranged a meeting at the hospital with the midwifery manager to see if they could make an exception and even came with me. When the answer was still a no, I realised I had to somehow make it happen. Elizabeth knew I had financial issues and wouldn’t be able to pay the full amount so I was delighted that she was able to make an exception and I could pay instalments. I followed all her advice, my iron levels quickly improved to healthy levels and then I had energy to start really enjoying the mystery and magic of being pregnant without all the worries about how I was going to give birth. I relaxed more and more every time she came to see me.
We spent many long hours together and I always felt very at liberty to talk about how I was feeling. My relationship was ending and I separated from my partner when I was in my second trimester. My family were in Russia and at times felt very on my own. Honestly I don’t know how I would have gone with the emotions of my pregnancy without her very special care. I usually cried as much as I laughed whenever she came to do my antenatal appointments because I felt safe enough to. She is not a judgemental person. My labour went well even though I was having irregular, but strong contractions for a whole day before I start to dilate. My big fear was that I’d end up in hospital because it was so slow, but she checked me at regular times to make sure everything was still ok with me and my baby which it was. My baby was a ‘’caul baby’’ which is very rare and some believe lucky. Elizabeth is a very rare sort of person who has a special gift in making people feel completely safe and she’s also very sensible and I never felt I was in risk even when labour became regular. I felt she knew me a like best friend. I’m sure she can read minds because she at all times knew just what I needed throughout it. I was so happy and felt that she shared my happiness with me. I don’t think it would have been the same with anyone else.
Her postnatal care was incredible and she gave me so much help and advice. There are many things I wouldn’t have had the confidence with or known about if she hadn’t spent so many hours with me. Breastfeeding was difficult at first and every day there was a different issue, but none of it was too much for Elizabeth and I never felt guilty or too much hard work for her. She teaches and explains things so easily and never got annoyed with my endless questions.
My daughter is now 8 years old and is a very calm person. and I know it’s because of how she was born. Elizabeth is always in my heart and I thank her every day. It’s her voice that comes to me sometimes when I need to relax. If she can be your midwife, then you are very fortunate.
Nic, Nick and baby
My first labour was so traumatic that I didn't think I'd have more children. I couldn't see how I could repeat pregnancy and have to constantly live with the memory and worry of what had happened before happening again. I'd had a forceps delivery which I now know was because I'd had an epidural and couldn't feel my muscles. My baby was born grey and floppy, needed rescitating and cried for most of a week probably from headache from the forceps. I'd had a double episiotomy (no one said anything about a second one being needed) and lost a lot of blood because of being left to bleed while lying there, away from my baby. It was awful and I thought he had died. When we went home everything was difficult because I couldn't sit down. My stitches felt like agony, I had no energy, couldn't breastfeed because I didn't have enough iron to. I didn't know this was the problem till Elizabeth mentioned that there couldn't have been a link.
I found out that I was pregnant when my daughter turned 3. I was shocked and didn't feel ready at all. I didn't tell my partner for days and didn't tell my doctor for weeks because I didn't want to talk about it and I was confused. I had a new job and remember feeling really down that I was pregnant. It had taken me ages to go back to work and I'd been depressed. I didn't want our world to change again just when things felt positive again. Eventually I decided to tell my new manager who also was pregnant. She was really positive, gave me a hug and told me about The Birth Centre and recommended Elizabeth. She told me things that I couldn't believe were true, things I didn't even know were possible to so with choices and support.
We decided to go for maximum care because of not wanting to risk the same again. Elizabeth had a calming influence on all of us whenever she came to visit. We all grew attached to her because whatever you tell her, you know she isn't just listening, but she's understanding it and she's caring about you! Elizabeth puts you at ease and I'd always feel so good for days after her coming to our house.
All her advice made a difference. I was 85% less anxious by 6 months, but expected to have an increase of anxiety as 9 months approached. Nope! I relaxed 100% and honestly enjoyed the last part even though I was tired and aching. We went past 40 weeks, then past week 41 and almost got as far as week 42. I would have been induced without doubt if it weren't for Elizabeth. She made sure everything was ok with recommending scans and a CTG and eventually the labour started!
We all got to the Birth Centre at the same time in the middle of the night. It was so exciting and it felt so special, like an amazing night out with midwives who are passionate about what they're doing. It was fun and magical and I used all my new strength and confidence. I'd learned hypnobirthing and was surprised that everything seemed so different compared to before. I kept thinking, ''hang on, this is really serious stuff, but we're all enjoying it and we're all involved the way we need to be''. To cut a long story short (12 hours) my boy was born after just a couple of long, slow, pushes. No forceps, no tear, no stitches, no crying - erm, no actually we all cried!
Best night of my life. Did I breast feed? Did I eck! It was so much easier without all the pain of last time and with support. Visits every day were so welcome. It was such a happy time. I had the relief of a safe birth this time and my trauma felt cured by the only thing that could help it to properly go. I breastfed way longer than anyone except my manager. Our babies had been in competition to see who could get the most milk, then both decided to stop around the same time.
I wish everyone could have the same options of care, but realise this quality of care is expensive for a reason. I hope as many people as possible benefit from Elizabeth's care because it might change your life.
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