“Gill Art Smyth-Daniels finally arrived on the evening of Thursday 20th, having only just beaten his 40+14 days induction appointment on the Friday morning. That was a hell of a wait – 3 sweeps and 3 acupuncture sessions and a gloom and doom Community Midwife appointment.

Then things improved – my waters broke at 5pm on Wednesday and I went into much-welcomed labour 2 hours later. The next day we went to the Barkantine Birth Centre at 1pm and Gill was born at 10.44pm.

The hypno birthing techniques – relaxation, breathing, affirmations, music and partner’s encouragement – were put into practice throughout labour, both at home and in the Barkantine. I got into the pool at about 4pm which was lovely and very effective, but actually chose to give birth on dry land. The transitional period was ‘interesting’ and I never got to grips with J-breathing – pushing was all I wanted or was able to do, but apart from that I think we Hypnobirthed.

I cannot praise the Barkantine enough – we had an absolutely beautiful birth and a lot of it was down to the staff. I had 2 midwifes with me (that was only due to shift change at 8pm) both of whom could not have been more considerate, helpful and respectful. But also all the support staff and general atmosphere made it as close to a home birth as possible.”