I was extremely grateful to receive the Iolanthe Student Award for my final year elective placement to rural Cornwall, to learn the ways of physiological birth, including homebirth.
Having spent 2 years learning midwifery in a busy Obstetric led London hospital; I knew spending some time with experienced midwives and birth-keepers who practice normality and traditional practises would be of significant benefit to my ongoing development as a new midwife.
I have always been passionate about promoting normality, but I desperately needed some ‘on the ground’ practical experience; observing the learnt skills and techniques of midwives who chose to embrace physiology. I packed up my hire car and made the 5 hour journey from London to Newquay, Cornwall, to join the amazing Chi Kernow midwives.
The Chi Kernow team are experts in normality and practice the continuity of care model to encourage a trusting rapport to develop between the midwife and the mother. Their philosophy promotes a woman’s choice and autonomy, encourages her to make the best choices for herself and her baby. They are strong advocates and fiercely upheld the rights of women in their pregnancy, birth and post-partum journey.
Whilst I was on placement, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Helston Birth Centre which was a stand-alone Birth Centre consisting of very experienced and specialist midwives. The centre was beautiful, spacious and relaxed. The staff mimicked this atmosphere in the way they practised both individually and as a team.
I saw the continuity model in action, as I noticed the professional bond between the midwife and families, as they grew to know each other throughout the pregnancy, which in turn enabled and facilitated more effective information sharing and promoted choice.
I was fortunate enough to be part of a beautiful pool birth during my first week at the birth centre. She was a primip; she came in contracting regularly, strongly and her waters had just broken. She laboured well in the birth room, and the midwives encouraged her gently to change positions and use the birthing ball and mats to encourage baby to get into an optimal position.
We noticed her changed behaviours which acted as a cue to alert us to the fact that she seemed to be transitioning. She got into the pool at this point, to which she found the water both calming and eased some of the building pressure. After about 30 minutes, a gorgeous, pink, red headed baby appeared- she had done it, with the help of the incredible midwives.
Whilst I had been part of many vaginal births, this experience was different; there was no thought or talk of any intervention of any kind- the labour and birth felt unhurried, controlled and the midwives trusted the process of birth to unfold as it should.
The parents were left alone to enjoy their precious early moments, the atmosphere was cosy and joyful.
Additionally, I was able to join the midwives on their antenatal and postnatal clinics, which again were extremely woman-centred, and they tailored their approach to conservations dependant on what each individual needed. It was lovely, to see this personalised approach in action which undoubtedly promotes a sense of wellbeing in the mother, as her views and preferences are at the core of the care provided.
I truly had an amazing time at my placement in Cornwall, I know that this time spent shadowing such experienced midwives, who truly embody everything a midwife should be- will inform my practise for years to come.
I am currently a newly qualified midwife in a large London hospital, but this experience has solidified my aspiration to become a homebirth midwife promoting normality and physiological birth.