I gave birth in a midwife-led unit: Heather’s story

Wanting better aftercare, this M&B reader decided to use a midwife-led unit.

Heather Dunkley, 34, a primary teacher, lives in Leicester with husband Ben, 34, and daughters Grace, two, and Hannah, seven months

I was naïve after I had my first baby

Having been discharged after just five hours, I struggled to breastfeed and felt isolated at home. On day three I started feeling fluey, which the midwife put down to a bug. On day 10 I was rushed to A&E and diagnosed with an infection on the lining on my womb.

Second time around, I researched where I could get better aftercare

Chatting to mums in my area, I heard about a local midwife-led unit. The mums raved about their comfortable stays in the days after birth and the breastfeeding support. I knew that was the best place for me.

My labour began slowly

I had been feeling ‘tightenings’ in my bump for days. Then, eight days before my due date, I started having contractions every 10 minutes. At 2am the next morning, an intense contraction woke me.

I was desperate to go to the MLU

I paced around and breathed deeply. Ben phoned my mum to look after Grace, and called the midwife. I was advised to stay at home. My waters hadn’t broken but after a couple of painful hours at home, I called to say we were on our way.

It was a relief to see my room

At 5.30am we arrived at the midwife-led unit and I immediately felt confident. My room was homely with dim lighting, a big birth pool and a private bathroom. It felt a million miles away from a clinical ward. I felt at home and any niggles I had about not having doctors around disappeared.

The midwives were so reassuring

When I was examined, I was 8cm dilated – which surprised us all. Suddenly my waters broke with a gush, and it all felt very real. But I felt as if I was in safe hands. Waiting for the birthing pool to fill up, I sat on the edge of the bed, breathing in gas and air, which helped to keep me calm. As soon as I climbed into the water, I started to push. I didn’t feel the need for more gas and air.

Pushing took about 15 minutes

I was aware of the midwives’ presence in the room, but they stayed in the background. Ben was the one sitting next to me as I knelt over the side of the pool and pushed with all my strength. I was aware that this was a really special moment.

I felt a burning, stinging sensation and realised that the head was about to come out. In one huge contraction, I felt an enormous pressure and moved my hand down to feel a mop of hair between my legs. I gave one final, almighty push and the body emerged. As I held Hannah against my chest, I felt a rush of love. I was over the moon.

I never felt alone like I had during my previous birth

My birth experience was completely different and so much better.

The three days I spent at the unit after the birth were so important

Nothing was too much trouble for the midwives. I was transferred to a quiet ward, and given lots of help with feeding. Ben came along during visiting hours but for the rest of the time I was with the midwives. By the time I went home, I felt relaxed and confident.

Three things I’d tell my friends