There is no occasion like giving birth for making you and all around you appreciate the miracle of life. We aim to give you the best possible experience – while acknowledging the reality that babies have a way of turning up to suit their own needs, and not any schedules we may have made on their behalf. So, we do what we can.
Around week 35, we’ll discuss with you and your partner just what kind of experience you want to welcome your baby into the world with. And we’ll do whatever we can to make that happen.
If you need particular music, favourite snacks and drinks, a camera, a handed-down shawl – that’s great. Just be aware that if it does happen more rapidly than any of us expect, we’ll cope with that just fine too. It’s what we do, and we’re very good at it. Naturally, we expect everything to go just fine – but are prepared if everything doesn’t go quite to plan.
Even when we get to deal with the challenge of the unexpected, we take that in our stride too. Babies can be very particular about coming into the world, and if that involves a protracted birth, a c-section, or anything else – we can deal with it.
Whatever the situation, you’ll be offered different options for pain relief which will be discussed ahead of time – and subject to revision at a moment’s notice. Some find they experience much less pain than they anticipated, others appreciate some extra help.
Right there with you
Your midwife (or her backup in rare cases) will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when you go into labour. Often in the early part of labour you will be managed at home.
When it is time for you to go to into hospital, your specialist will join you. They will usually go in and meet you and your support person and work out a plan of action with your midwife.
At any time during the labour, your specialist will be available for consultation and action if called by the midwife. Your specialist may be called upon to perform a Caesarean Section or forceps or ventouse when required. When you are pushing in the second stage of birth, your specialist will be in attendance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
In rare situations, your specialist will need to manage problems in the 3rd stage such as bleeding or a retained placenta, but our experienced obstetricians can manage anything that does crop up.
Your specialist will be available at any time during the first 6 weeks after birth should you need them, and you will also have a visit booked in at the 6 week stage.