In the end I had a planned C section which was absolutely the right choice for me and Erika was by our side throughout. She went to such lengths to ensure that we had the most positive experience of the birth and we did. It was simply the best moment in our lives. After our baby was born Erika’s care continued. She immediately diagnosed a tongue tie and we had it sorted out when our baby was 4 days old. She helped me with breastfeeding and 4 months later I am still breastfeeding and plan to continue for as long as possible. Her post natal visits were invaluable too, helping us to feel confident in what we were doing. When I was readmitted to hospital again with an infection a week after our baby was born she helped ensure that there was a midwife that we knew ready to meet us and helped explain what was happening. I don’t know what we would have done without her during this very stressful time.
An independent midwife does so much more than deliver the baby – Erika acted as my counsellor, hospital coordinator, nutritionist, diabetes specialist, mental health practitioner, midwife and friend. She listened to me and supported me and gave me the confidence to make the best choices for me.
It was Erika’s mission to get me to enjoy my time being pregnant but actually she did much more than that she got me to trust my body again. As a result of her constant care and reassurance I was able to enjoy my pregnancy. I am so grateful that thanks to her help I was able to enjoy such a special time being pregnant and I feel had the best support when my baby was born.