‘It Was a Calm and Empowering Experience’ – Five Years of Home Births

Published on: 4 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 3 Aug, 2016

Cheryl Cooke, the first mother to be supported by Royal Surrey County Hospital’s newly formed homebirth team.

Five years ago Cheryl Cooke was the first mother to be supported by Royal Surrey County Hospital’s newly formed home birth team.

Asked why she is once again planning to welcome baby number two without setting foot outside her front door Cheryl said: “When I was pregnant with Zara I was keen to go down the most natural route possible,” said the 40-year- old from Ash, Surrey.

“I quickly decided that the hospital environment was not for me and I wanted to give birth in my own way and be in total control of the situation.”

Cheryl discovered Royal Surrey’s newly formed Surrey Hills Home Birthing team.

She welcomed Zara, now aged five years, into the world in June 2011, from the comfort of an inflatable birthing pool in her living room.

“I managed to stay relaxed because I was in my own home,” said Cheryl.

“I was calm and just trusted my body to know what it was doing. It proved to be the most wonderful, calm and empowering experience.

“The home birthing team were just brilliant.”

Senior midwife Tanya Ashton said: “Woman can refer themselves to the home birthing team at any stage during their pregnancy.

“As a team of midwives, we are all passionate about home birthing and we are all equipped with the knowledge and expertise to achieve the safest outcomes for mother and baby, as well as providing a positive birthing experience.

The Home Birth Team will be holding a Summer Party for families past and present, as well as those interested in finding out more about the service, on August 6.

It will take place between 1pm and 4pm at Lawnsmead Hall, Wonersh, Surrey, and all are welcome..

Tanya added: “This promises to be a fantastic event not just for our families past and present, but also for those who would like to find out more about home birthing.”

To find out more about home birthing visit www.royalsurrey.nhs.net or you can contact the team directly on 07467 339395 or email tanya.ashton@nhs.net

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