I found Wessex independent midwives on a Google search even before I found out I was pregnant as I was intrigued by having a private midwife. Everything on their website resonated with me so when I fell pregnant I contacted them and spoke with Erika. At the time I was due Erika and Rachel had a few ladies already booked in and both taking holiday in July so being an apprehensive first time mum and worrying that Sod’s Law would be I’d go into Labour when no one was available I decided to go with another company. Erika was so kind and gave me advice in my initial call with her and even when I decided to go with someone else she went out of her way to pass on names and encouraging words. When I had my 20 week scan we found out our baby had fixed unilateral talipes, and the hospital said they would strongly recommend me not having a home birth and to be in their high risk ward, due to this I decided not to go with a private midwife and through the nhs. Throughout my pregnancy I had several ‘high risk’ factors (suspected gestational diabetes, I refused testing, and large for gestational age baby) which led me to becoming very stressed and upset, each time I left the hospital I was in tears after being told something distressing and that I wasn’t able to have the birth I wanted, which was without intervention. My sister in law also happened to be pregnant at the same time as me and was using Rachel and Erika from independent midwives, after one very upsetting call I had with an nhs consultant midwife where I was told and then emailed some distressing and incorrect information of my risk factors my sister in law told Erika who then reached back out to me for a chat, I spoke to Erika who wanted to help me so said she would go through my birth plan with me and discuss all that hospital had said to me, she didn’t charge me for this, and was doing it purely out of love and compassion. After meeting with Erika I spoke with my partner and we agreed I had to have her as my midwife and I couldn’t use the nhs. Erika had 3 other ladies who were due around the same time as me but she reassured me it would work out and she would be there for me. Despite me being 38 weeks when Erika became my midwife she gave me the time to get all the information I needed before my due date, a lot of emotions came to the surface for me days before I was due and Erika became not only my midwife but my therapist and surrogate family member. She held a mothers blessing for me and when I went into spontaneous Labour 3 days after my due date I knew I was ready, miraculously all the ladies due around me had gone into early Labour so it had worked out as Erika promised! I had the most amazing and beautiful Labour, Erika held my space and supported me and my partner throughout. Despite being ‘high risk’ I had no medical intervention, a home birth in the pool, with no vaginal exams. And my baby was absolutely perfect, my Labour had no complications, it was start to finish only 12 hours with such a quick transition and pushing stage that the second midwife who supports Erika didn’t have time to arrive at my home! Having my baby at home and then being put to bed by Erika was so special, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Erika made a delicious placenta smoothie for me after the birth and ensured I was comfortable and happy before she left and she then came back to check on me and baby 12 hrs later. The post natal care was amazing, our baby got an infected belly button a week later and Erika came round on a Saturday morning at 8am immediately when we called concerned. And even after my post natal care had finished Erika has stayed in touch and provided me with support. I love Erika as if she was my family and I can’t wait for her to help birth my future babies.