I’m so delighted to announce the arrival of William James this weekend, thanks to the Super Moon and amazing work of Lisa, Ben and William together. As a doula it was the first time I’d attended a woman in labour in a hotel room… Having arrived at UCH only 1cm dilated Lisa and Ben were sent home, only they couldn’t face the 40 minute taxi ride home so checked into the Euston Square hotel opposite the birthing centre.

I arrived at 3am to find a calm, quiet atmosphere, lights off, “Comfort Zone” playing and Lisa surging in the bathroom. She relaxed and breathed through her surges, instinctively moving as felt comfortable. We called the birthing centre at 7.45am, whilst on the phone to them Lisa’s membranes released and we got dressed, grabbed our things and walked across Euston Rd arriving shortly after 8am. Having been told the birthing centre was full (damn full moon!) we went to the labour ward to be assessed where we found she was 9 cms. William was born at 9.48am, no gas and air, no intervention, just a calm, quiet, dimly lit room which allowed Lisa to follow the lead of her body and allow William to arrive into the world in the most natural, serene way possible.

Truly inspirational and a massive reminder why I do what I do. I wish Lisa, Ben and William the most joyous life together!!