EP5 Jackie | Home Birth, Third Baby, Husband's Birth Preparation, Student Midwife Support

The Real Birth Podcast

Jackie is a family and wedding photographer, and is married to Joe. She has three biological children and two step-children, so her home is a busy one!

Jackie had a drug-free home birth 'on land' - i.e. not in water! - just 12 weeks ago with her little baby Otto. After two previous births, one on a midwife led unit and another at home, Jackie knew she wanted to have another home birth and did everything she could to make this happen.

Jackie's husband Joe had attended the births of his two elder children, but as both were caesarean births this was his first experience of a vaginal birth - and of a home birth. She shares how Joe was able to mentally prepare for the day thanks to a local Doula who offered a 1:1 preparation session for them both.

Despite the midwifery staffing crisis meaning she was urged to transfer into the labour ward whilst she was in advanced labour, Jackie's student midwife advocated for the family's wishes and refused to abandon the home birth plan. Otto was born shortly after in the living room!

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