"I gave birth to my baby boy, Benedict in the water. It was peaceful and beautiful, everything that I had hoped for."
After a less than straightforward first and second experience of labour, I approached the birth of my third baby with some concerns. I wanted to have as natural a birth as possible with little or no intervention and most of all, I wanted to have a waterbirth. The odds were not in my favour as I was classed as high risk and so, for my health, and that of my baby, it was strongly recommended to give birth on the labour ward at the William Harvey. I was fortunate throughout my pregnancy to be cared for by the wonderful Mr Etekowo who listened to my plans and supported me to have the kind of birth I hoped for, so long as it was safe.
When my waters broke early and I didn’t go into labour, I was crestfallen. At this stage induction of labour was safest, but I knew it could mean that I would not be able to have the birth experience that I had hoped for. The midwives on labour ward were amazing and listened intently to my concerns. They reassured me that they would do everything possible to support me with my birth plan.
Induction day arrived and once again the midwives caring for me took note of all of my wishes and reassured my husband and I that they would respect them as far as was possible. Thankfully the induction process worked straight away and all monitoring signs looked as they should. Once everyone was confident things were progressing well, I was invited to climb into the birthing pool on the labour ward. It instantly made me feel more relaxed and comfortable.
The room is beautiful and so relaxing. You would never know that you were on a high risk maternity ward. The midwife, Kelly, who was looking after me, stood back and let me take the lead. I gave birth to my baby boy, Benedict in the water. It was peaceful and beautiful, everything that I had hoped for. I am so grateful to Mr Etekowo, Kelly, and the whole team on Labour Ward who did everything in their power to give me the safe and natural birth that I had hoped for.
Sam, Ashford
