Cat: Two Births, NHS Birth Centre Water Birth & Unexpected Unassisted Birth Before Arrival Home Birth, Endometriosis

Her first birth was a calm, quick water birth at the birth centre. Her second was a home birth except the pool wasn't filled, the midwife wasn't there, and her partner was on a 999 call cutting off her leggings when their son arrived on the living room floor. Cat is a mum of two from Huddersfield who shares two very different but equally positive NHS birth stories. Diagnosed with deeply infiltrating endometriosis and told conception might be difficult, she fell pregnant four days after that call. Her first birth was a birth centre water birth — she arrived at 5cm, progressed to full dilation in under an hour, and birthed on gas and air with a student midwife who read the room perfectly. Second time around she went 17 days overdue, navigated pressure around induction with research and confidence, and planned a home birth in the pool. Her body had other ideas. In this episode we chat about: Receiving a deeply infiltrating endometriosis diagnosis and falling pregnant four days later Planning a birth centre birth and progressing from 5cm to birth in under an hour How the fetal ejection reflex took over in both labours and why trusting her body made all the difference The emotional weight of becoming a mother without her own mum there, and seeking counselling after her first birth Going 17 days overdue, pushing back on induction, and researching her options to feel confident in that decision A midwife performing an unsolicited sweep during a home visit and how it affected Kat's confidence going into labour Giving birth unattended on the living room floor with her partner on a 999 call The emotional crash after her son's birth and the juggle of suddenly having two children This episode is for anyone navigating a diagnosis that makes them question whether pregnancy is possible, or anyone who wants to understand what it looks like to trust your body completely — twice. The stories shared on British Birthing Stories are real, personal experiences from real women. I am not a medical professional and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth is different, and I always encourage you to speak to your midwife or doctor about your own individual care. British Birthing Stories shares real, unfiltered stories of childbirth in the UK, from pregnancy and labour to postpartum recovery. These stories reflect personal experiences and should not be taken as or replace medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Follow us on social: Instagram · TikTok · YouTube Want to come on the podcast? Get in touch and share your story here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.