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Pregnancy follow-up: why I chose global support
“I gave birth to my first two babies in Finland. There, they are very respectful in welcoming the child. No clamping of the cord before it has stopped beating, nor systematic gastric aspiration. When I returned to France, I was pregnant and I immediately looked for a maternity hospital where I could give birth without medicalization. I gave birth to the maternity hospital in Givors. My baby was born prematurely, he had big problems and we almost lost him. All this to tell you that when I got pregnant with my fourth, I was extremely anxious. I have met my midwife through my work. At first, the overall support did not tempt me too much. I am a fairly modest person. The idea of being followed by the same person throughout the pregnancy scared me and I also feared that my husband would find himself excluded from this duo. But in the end the flow went so well with Cathy that I wanted to try with her.
“Her mothering side reassured me”
The pregnancy follow-up went very well. Every month, I went to his office for consultations. In short, a classic follow-up. But fundamentally, everything was very different. I needed to be reassured and my midwife really helped me overcome my apprehensions. Thanks to her, I was able to say what my desires were, how I wanted my child to come into the world. My husband, who had not succeeded in verbalizing his anxieties following my last childbirth, was able to discuss with her, to project himself. She was always there, I could call her anytime if I had a problem. I admit that even though it was my fourth pregnancy, I needed to be mothered. Cathy gave me back confidence. As the term approached, I had several false jobs. It seems that this is common during a fourth pregnancy. The day I lost the water, I called my midwife at 4 a.m.
“For the first time, the dad has found his place during childbirth”
When I arrived at the maternity ward, she was already there, always attentive and caring. I was very happy to find her. I would not have seen myself giving birth with another midwife. Cathy stayed with us throughout the delivery and God knows it lasted a long time. At no time did she impose herself, she guided us discreetly. Several times, she gave me acupuncture to relieve me. For the first time, my husband has found his place. I felt he was really in the bubble with me, the three of us were welcoming this baby. When my son was born, he did not immediately cry out, he was calm and serene, I was amazed. We had the impression that he too had felt the soothing atmosphere that reigned in the delivery room. My midwife was moved. When she took my son in her arms, I saw that it was sincere, that she was really touched by this birth. Then, Cathy remained very present during the aftermath of childbirth. She came to visit me once a week for the 1st month. Today we are still in contact. I will never forget this birth. For me, the overall support has really been a great experience. “