by Felicity McCann
My birth story begins at 30wks gestation. Having just moved house, I had to find an alternative place to give birth to my son than originally planned. I was beginning to panic but after researching some potential options I stumbled across Ryde Hospitals Midwifery Group Practice. Conveniently, it was located within a 10 minute drive from my home. I made contact with the midwives as soon as possible, eager to get my antenatal care underway again.
My partner Luke and our 3 daughters and I met with our midwife Lorraine, whom I was pleasantly surprised to discover would be my midwife throughout the rest of my pregnancy. She was so welcoming and reassuring especially to my partner who wasn’t keen on having a water birth. This was something I had wanted to experience with all my pregnancies but had never had the opportunity to have at a regular hospital.
We saw Lorraine nearly every week and she soon came to feel like one of our family, she adored our kids as they adored her. She was extremely thorough in my care, re-ordering date scans and other tests, as she felt my previous care was not as accurate as she would have liked. My pregnancy went smoothly and without a hitch. I reached the end of my pregnancy healthy and assured that my care and the care of my baby were at the forefront of Lorraine’s mind.
I woke one day and quickly realised labour was coming. I phoned Lorraine in a bit of a panic but she reassured me, told me that everything was going to be ok and asked me to come in to make sure everything was going smoothly and to check that I was actually in labour. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the hospital, Lorraine told me my son was well on his way.
After a fairly short labour and being coached by Lorraine, I gave one almighty push and our son Cooper William Matthews was born just after 12pm, weighing in at a healthy 10 pounds, 9 ounces! Lorraine lovingly nicknamed our son “bruiser”.
I was home before 5pm that same evening with my partner, girls and their new baby brother. The days after birth Lorraine visited frequently, checking on my postnatal health and my newborn son’s health. She was also available by phone anytime I required her.
I would recommend Ryde Midwifery Group service to all first time and experienced mums to be, as their care, love and attention to the health of you and your unborn child are what gives them the passion to do the remarkable things they do! I would most likely never have been able to experience a water birth if it wasn’t for Lorraine and the Ryde Midwifery team.
Our midwife Lorraine holding Cooper whom she lovingly named “bruiser”
Read more personal stories of local mums who have birthed under the care of the Ryde Midwifery Group Practice: