"Homebirthing our baby girl"

In September I had premature rupture of membranes I rang the home birth team I was 37+2 without labour signs therefore they recommend I attend maternity assessment to confirm waters has gone. Once confirmed I was offered induction however declined after speaking with doula, homebirth team and understanding the research that induction and intervention at this stage would probably result in a casade of interventions and we had planned a homebirth.

We acknowledged the risk of infection however understood the research and NICE guidelines that the risk was low. CTG confirmed baby wad content, swabs confirmed no infection and observations were normal so we made the decision to wait and see. 

I was having start stop with no real pattern I had kept in touch with home birth midwives and discussed my desire to wait 48hrs which they agreed as long as no signs of infection present. I returned the following morning for assessment I declined vaginal examination due to the risk of infection however consented to CTG monitoring and observations which indicated no signs of infection or distress we went home and spent the day resting. 

Next day the contractions had increased and appeared to be more consistent. I felt that things were progressing so contacted home birth midwives who came out to assess me. I consented to a vaginal examination which confirmed I was fully effaced and was 2cms dilated which disheartened me slightly as I thought I was further progressed.

Midwives were so supportive and provided my husband and me with reassurance and encouraged me to rest and sleep in between contractions. Things settled again with no real pattern leaving me feel frustrated however the midwives were amazing at providing emotional support.

Home birth midwife Andrea recommended to attend hospital for assessment as per the previous days plan. By the time we attended things had started up again and appeared to be regular with contractions lasting at least 60 seconds with 3 in 10. I was using tens machine, breathing and my husband also was doing counter pressure, alongside repeating positive birth affirmations and listening to hypnobirthing music, techniques I had learnt during hypnobirthing course with southern trust.

Assessment was completed ctg and maternal observations confirmed no signs of infections and I consented to a vaginal examination which confirmed no change. As I was out of 48hr window since PROM midwives requested the consultant obstetrician to review. We discussed the risks with consultant however we used BRAINS and made the informed decision to wait a further 24hours as no signs to indicate increased risk and my body appeared to be progressing towards establishing labour and felt I would have been doing myself a disservice if I didn't give it time to do what it was made to do.

Home birth midwives were happy with plan and we left for home. Surges appeared to slow again so took the time to rest. A bit later things were progressing again and soon contractions were a lot more intense than they had been and were regular anywhere between 3 and 4 in 10. My husband contacted home birth midwives to come out, I was starting to find things were more intense and was getting little time between surges.

Midwife arrived and I requested enternox and consented to a VE I was delighted to hear I was 5 -6cms dilated with use of breathe, movement, tens machine and counter pressure. I got into the pool the water helped me get into positions easier to manage surges alongside my breathing and I traded my tens machine for my acupressure comb and my husband also jumped into pool to support with counter pressure on my back. Initially for the first hour I didn't feel I needed the enternox as the water brought me so much relief as things became more intense I recommenced the enternox.

After midnight I felt the need to push after some time I was struggling with fatigue and vomiting and requested midwife for help, we tried different positions in pool and trying to get out. I felt exhausted and requested a VE midwife confirmed I was 9cms and baby's head needed to move to slightly. The midwives recommended different positions in pool and also on stairs and toilet to use gravity to support with progression. Within an hour I felt the need to push I birthed our baby girl on our bathroom floor on all fours. I concentrated on my breath and working with my body to control pushes and avoided any tears. Our birth was everything and more and there's not a doubt in my mind if I was in hospital I would have ended in a cesarean which would have been a very different experience.

The experience has been transformational for me and my husband and we couldn't have done it without the amazing home birth team. It was incredibly special to have Paula the lead of the team present for our birth as she provided care to us from week 18 of the pregnancy attending hospital antenatal appointments for low lying placenta to help protect our space and support informed decisions as well as home check ups. The continuity and relationship that we built up was pivotal in supporting us achieving the birth we wanted.

Paula and her team trust birth and women's bodies empathetically, their confidence and experience provided confidence, support and empowerment to my husband and myself during the pregnancy and birth. During the birth and labour midwives were present with us, Paula held me providing words of encouragement throughout and when I was mentally wavering and severely fatigued going through transition give me the confidence and strength to push on.

We will be ever in awe of the amazing team and have endless gratitude and praise for them and the work they do. We are planing baby number 2 and are excited on birthing at home again.