Katie: Two Positive Births, Planned Home Birth and Before Arrival, Independent Midwife, PCOS, Covid, Second Unplanned Freebirth In Bath

She was a midwife. She knew the system inside out. And she still couldn't get the care she actually wanted. Katie is an independent midwife now based in Cornwall who shares two home births that could not have been more different. Her first was a planned Halloween home birth during COVID, with a private midwife who looked her in the eyes at 37 weeks and told her she could do this. Her second moved so fast that her daughter arrived before the midwives did, born in the bath with meconium in the waters and only her husband and mum there to catch her. In this episode we talk about: What it actually feels like to navigate the NHS as a midwife and still feel let down Why Katie chose an independent midwife during COVID and how that decision changed everything What meconium in your waters actually means and when to worry How hypnobirthing helped her stay present through both labours What independent midwifery really costs and why so many women find a way to make it work What to do if you want a home birth but keep getting pushed back This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like the system wasn't built for them, or is pregnant and already sensing that the care they are getting doesn't feel quite right. Whether you are thinking about a home birth, considering going private, or just want to know what your options actually are, Katie has lived it from both sides of the table. 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.