Nathan-James Watson
Son of Bernice and Jody Watson
Born on the 2nd of October 2010
At Kingston Hospital
Weighing 8lb 6oz, 3.8kg

South African couple, Bernice and Jody, moved to the UK in 2007 to be closer to Bernice’s parents. They’d been married for two and a half years when Bernice became pregnant for the first time. “I was very excited.” says Bernice “I wanted to tell the whole world and I secretly did – Jody was a little more cautious and didn't want people to know until it was all confirmed.”

Sadly, a few weeks into the pregnancy, Bernice woke up with a stomach ache, and was told, at an emergency scan, that the baby had no heartbeat. “I was devastated and I just wanted the world to swallow me up.  It was then that I realised how much I wanted to have a child in our lives. Unless you’ve been through a miscarriage, it’s hard to describe, but when you do begin to have the strength to talk about it you realise that it’s a very common thing that happens to a lot of women.”  

Jody and Bernice gave themselves some time to recover, before trying for another baby. In early 2010 Bernice discovered that she was pregnant again. “I was nervous! Excited and scared at the same time. I did about four tests before I told Jody, and this time I was a lot more cautious about telling everybody – until we saw the heartbeat.”

Fortunately, this time there were no problems and Bernice was able to get on with her pregnancy – though being pregnant wasn’t a state that she particularly enjoyed. “It really does take it out of you. I couldn’t get over the exhaustion, and the backache was pretty bad. I think the most difficult part, though, was feeling so useless – not even being able to tie my shoelaces was not my idea of fun.”

Jody and Bernice were thrilled to find out that they were expecting a little boy, and, despite feeling a little incapacitated, Bernice went into full-on nesting mode. “All of Nathan’s nursery furniture arrived during the two weeks before he was due, and every evening we spent our time building flat packs. I love to plan things, and planning for our little one’s arrival was just the best plan I have ever made. I had even packed each outfit that Nathan was to wear for the first week of his life in separate freezer bags – just in case anything happened to me, and Jody needed them without having time to think.  

Bernice was eight days overdue with Nathan, and very frustrated, when her waters finally broke. After going into hospital, only to be sent home again, Bernice lay in a warm bath at home, with her mother timing contractions. “When the contractions got stronger I asked my parents to leave, because I felt that it was time to be alone with my husband. Jody took over the timing, and he was wonderful – in those moments our relationship changed and grew. All my inhibitions went out of the window: I needed him and he knew it.”

Around ten hours later, in Kingston Hospital, Bernice managed to give birth with minimal pain relief. “I did have pethidine at first, but towards the end it was just me and my mind, and a husband who was cheering 'you can do it, Bern!' with every push. It almost felt like an out of body experience – I was in some sort of primal state. I’ve never experienced anything as amazingly special, and painful, before. Jody was by my side for every second, and although he hadn’t been sure he would want to, he ended up cutting the cord.”

Unfortunately, just after the birth, Bernice had to be taken into surgery to remove the placenta. “The moments after I gave birth were pretty fraught, and I was sad to have to leave our little baby, but luckily we had considered this eventuality in our birth plan, and Jody knew not to dress him until I was back together with them.”

Dad Jody took to his new role immediately. “For me, the relationship with our little one had begun 8½ months before, but I think for Jody it began when he was born.” Says Bernice. “He felt an immense sense of protection, and he wanted to do whatever it took to take care of our little guy.”

Heading back home to Walton-on-Thames, the new parents felt a little daunted. “Putting Nathan in the car seat was scary – off we were going with just a few pages from books we had read, and our instincts.”

Despite these feelings of trepidation, Bernice and Jody soon settled in to their new life as a family of three. “Nathan was a very hungry baby, which was a little tricky as he just kept needing to be fed – basically, not like the book said! Having the support of the nurse and the health visitor was wonderful, though, and they were able to give us advice and tips on keeping our little one happy. He is still a hungry boy but we understand that now and know how much and how often to feed him to keep him happy. Nathan is an absolute joy to have in our lives – he’s the best thing that we’ve ever done and we just adore being his parents.”

William Arthur David Etches
Son of Ruth and John Etches
Born on the 9th of June 2010
At home in East Horsley
Weighing 7lb 10oz

Surrey mum, Ruth Etches, has always been a believer in natural childbirth. However, her plan to have her first child, George, at home, did not happen quite as she had imagined. “I had signed up for every possible antenatal course - NCT, Natal Hypnotherapy and a whole weekend of Active Birthing – we almost felt like qualified midwives once we were through!  But with George in a back to back position, which caused twelve hours of excruciating backache labour, I discovered that I was only 2cm dilated and I had to admit defeat. I was taken by ambulance to the Royal Surrey for an epidural and hormone drip to help me progress. ”

Despite this, Ruth was not put off the idea of natural childbirth, and when she became pregnant with William she was determined to have the home birth that she had missed out on the first time. “I felt I was better equipped to appreciate the reality of childbirth this time around, and I’d been endlessly reassured that second babies come much more quickly and easily. I was also very keen that our lovely midwife Val Clarke – with whom we had stayed in touch – would be with us for the birth of our second child.”

“I felt a great deal more fear for the labour the second time, but with Val's gentle strength and support I felt I would be ready when it started. I had a bottle of champagne in the fridge, because I was adamant that I would be staying at home for this one – I couldn't wait to crack it open with my baby in my arms!”

Although she had a slow start to her second labour, Ruth was feeling positive when, after a day of contractions, midwife Val arrived at 11pm. “William had been in the optimum position at my last antenatal examination, and I was calm, positive and focused. I just wanted things to hurry up.”

By the early hours of the morning Ruth’s contractions were coming thick and fast. “After several difficult hours in the birthing pool I started to get some severe backache contractions and Val felt that it may be a sign that the baby was moving down. A little later she asked if I'd like to be examined to assess progress. I started to feel an awful sense of deja-vu from George's birth, but I was reassured by Val and John that I would surely be far along.”

Unfortunately Ruth’s worst fears were realised. “Unbelievably, when Val examined me, after a good 24 hours of labour, I was just 2cm dilated, and, worse, the baby had flipped into a posterior position which was causing the backache. I had felt that I could cope with anything as long as I didn't have backache labour again. It was utterly soul-destroying and I was completely gutted.”

“At that moment I just wanted the baby out – I didn't care about doing things naturally and if I could have had a c-section there and then I would have done.” Val phoned the hospital to inform them that Ruth and John would be coming in, and then went for a rest, while Ruth was looked after by the support midwife, Jo. “I managed a short rest, and then I had some more strong contractions. I asked Jo to examine me before setting off for hospital and, to my amazement, I had progressed – I was 4cm dilated.”

This was all the encouragement that Ruth needed to keep her going “I felt a sudden surge of energy, despite having had no sleep for 48 hrs! The small amount of progress meant the world, and I felt unbelievably determined to have this baby at home, naturally. I gulped down some chocolate buttons and dried fruit for energy and spent the next five hours pacing the living room. It was a boiling hot summer day and we had the French doors open onto the garden – I had most of the contractions gripping onto the window frame so our poor neighbour must have wondered what on earth was going on! I found yelling to be a good way of coping with the pain – apparently it releases pain killing endorphins.”

However, after several hours, Ruth was examined again and discovered that she was just 5cm dilated – only 1cm progress. “I hit rock bottom again. Even the midwives, both advocates of home birth, felt that it might be time to go into hospital.” But Ruth wasn’t quite ready to admit defeat. The baby's heart rate was fine, and she decided to keep going at home a little longer.

“I tried a new tactic: climbing the stairs, and, just as I reached the top, my waters broke. All of a sudden things intensified. The midwife suggested gas and air, which I found mildly helpful, but an hour later the pain was no longer bearable. I felt as if my body was going to break in two – I couldn't believe that anyone could have this amount of pain and live.”  

Despite the intense pain, when Ruth was examined again she was still only 5cm dilated, and the decision was made to call an ambulance. “Jo helped me out of the birth pool and I was standing, wrapped in a towel, having contractions while she went into the next room to give directions to the ambulance.  All of a sudden, I felt the most unbelievable urge to push.  I shouted to Jo 'I've got to push!'  She shouted back 'You can't, you're only 5cm!' She raced back in, only to see that the baby's head was visible. At that moment the gas and air ran out, and I couldn't believe that the noises I was making were actually coming from me! But within fifteen minutes I had birthed William – on our cream sofa. Oops!”

The sofa was the least of anyone’s worries – they were just delighted that William was finally here. Ruth’s mother came down from putting big brother George to bed, where she had been performing a running cabaret throughout the bedtime routine to distract him from the noise, and everyone was finally able to relax.

“We all settled down in the sitting room and cracked open the champagne. The thought of champagne had been keeping me going throughout the labour, but, ironically, all I wanted now was tea and toast. My lovely hubby, my mum and Jo enjoyed the sparkly, while I sat cuddling William, and feeling an absolutely incredible sense of achievement. In those few hours after the birth I honestly felt that I could do anything - if you'd asked me to climb Everest I could have!” 

Annabelle Rose and Olivia Grace Gurry
Twin daughters of Danielle and Peter Gurry
Born on the 8th of August 2010
At Frimley Park Hospital
Weighing 5lb 8oz (Annabelle) and 6lb 3oz (Olivia)

Danielle and Peter first dated as teenagers. “I’ve known Peter since I was sixteen years old,” says Danielle, "I used to work on Saturdays at the hairdresser in the local village and Peter worked at the estate agents across the road. We dated for a year, then went our separate ways, but we met again when we were in our early twenties, and the rest is history.”

In December 2009 Peter and Danielle were very excited to discover that they were going to be parents, but then, at seven weeks Danielle experienced some bleeding. “We were devastated – I automatically thought I’d miscarried.” Taking her mother with her for moral support, Danielle went for an early scan. “When they called my name, I was so nervous. They put the gel on my stomach and checked for quite some time, while my mother talked to me to take my mind off what was happening. When the sonographer turned to me and said that she had found a heartbeat I was so happy and relieved.”

But the good news didn’t stop there for Danielle. “She then asked whether we had twins in the family. I looked at my mother and started crying. The sonographer confirmed that there were two heartbeats. I was over the moon – most people dream of having one baby and I was having two! I called Peter as soon as we left. He was shocked, but totally overjoyed at the news. We knew how lucky we were and how exciting this journey was going to be for us.”

Although she was delighted to be having two babies, carrying twins proved to be hard going for Danielle. “I was admitted to Frimley Park Hospital twice in two weeks with Hyperemesis (severe sickness) and I was put on a drip to replace lost fluids. It was such an awful time – everything made me sick, I was sick all day until I slept at night. But as long as the babies were okay I really couldn’t have cared what I was going through.”

At a twenty week scan, Danielle and Peter discovered that they were having non-identical twin girls, and, eleven weeks before her due date, Danielle went on much-needed maternity leave. “Anyone who has carried twins will know it’s exhausting. I made sure I had lots of rest, and I also made sure I had a good diet and enjoyed gentle exercise. When you’re carrying twins you’re constantly being reminded that you will go into premature labour, and that there could be problems. I wanted to make sure that I gave my two babies the best start, and I wanted to avoid any problems, so I spent my days swimming, shopping and relaxing.”

Because she was having twins, Danielle knew that the birth might not be straightforward. “I’d tried to keep an open mind, but at my 34 week scan we discovered that Olivia was breech and the consultant recommended a caesarean.”

Danielle’s caesarean was booked for 38 weeks, however, at 36 weeks she went into labour. “I had been feeling restless for a few days. I went to bed early and woke at around 1am, with strong period-type pains. Ten minutes later my waters broke.”

Peter and Danielle headed into hospital. “I was worried – because I’d planned a c-section I hadn’t really thought about going into labour. When I arrived at the hospital I was examined, and I was already 6cm dilated.” The couple discussed their options with medical staff and decided that a caesarean was still the safest choice for their daughters. The only problem was that there were not enough doctors on duty to perform the procedure straight away. Danielle had to wait, in labour, for five and a half hours, until, at eight in the morning, she was finally able to go into theatre.

“Annabelle was handed to me first. It was absolutely amazing having those two little eyes looking up at me – she was beautiful. Olivia was handed straight to Peter, and I looked over to make sure she was okay – she was also absolutely beautiful! We were totally overjoyed by our beautiful girls. Peter was amazing throughout the whole experience: he’s always been my rock and I couldn’t have done it without him there by my side.”

Fortunately, although the girls were a little early, there were no complications following the birth, and, after four days in hospital, Danielle and her daughters were able to go home. “Our first night at home was amazing. We didn’t sleep – we stayed up, looking at our beautiful babies! We were overwhelmed with emotions and we just wanted to take in their first night at home with their mummy and daddy.”

Several months on, and Peter and Danielle are still loving the fact that they are parents. “Life is busy! Every day is different and we’re enjoying each moment as they learn about the world. They are two very happy babies – it’s a true blessing having children and we never forget how very lucky we are.”

Amber Elizabeth Cowan
Daughter of Susan Cowan and Bryan Grundy
Born on the 20th August 2010
At Kingston Hospital
Weighing 8lb 2oz

Although they are five years apart in age, Susan and Bryan share a birthday on August 10th – and their baby was due to be born on the very same day. The parents-to-be hadn’t planned it that way – in fact, the pregnancy came along at a slightly awkward moment, when Susan and Bryan were going on a dream holiday to Cambodia and Vietnam.

“I found out that I was pregnant five days before we were due to leave. I’d been about to start taking anti-malaria drugs, and I consulted doctors, pharmacists and NHS Direct about whether the countries were suitable for pregnant women. The nurse at my local surgery provided the best advice which was 'of course you can't go dear, you're pregnant now'. Luckily, we were able to amend our plans to visit Thailand instead, which didn’t involve taking any medication.”

Whilst in Thailand, and only seven weeks pregnant, Susan had a scare. “I was bleeding for about a week. It was very worrying. We had to leave the island we were staying on to travel to a hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the facilities and staff were fantastic. I was seen by a specialist almost immediately and an internal scan showed that the baby was fine and had a very strong heartbeat. It was very reassuring, and it was definitely my favourite scan of the pregnancy. As it was so early, all we saw was a tiny head and body which looked like a miniature snowman. It was almost Christmas, so we named the baby Frosty the Snowman.”

The rest of Susan’s pregnancy went smoothly, and she was able to focus on finding a new home for the family. “We found a lovely old house in Kew and moved in within six weeks. However, it did require some modernisation, so, instead of just decorating the nursery, I was dealing with builders, plumbers, electricians and decorators. It was such a large project that I decided to take early maternity leave, three months before my due date. My dad helped out, and we managed to fit the carpets and put the curtains up two weeks before Amber was born.”

Susan and Bryan’s joint birthday came and went, with no sign of Amber and it wasn’t until just after midnight on Tuesday the 17th of August that Susan began to have contractions. In the morning the contractions stopped and Susan was advised to rest in bed in preparation for the big event. When, thirty six hours later, there were still no further signs of labour, Susan and Bryan decided to go to the day assessment unit at Kingston Hospital for advice.

“I was told that I was already 2cm dilated from the early labour, and that I had high blood pressure. The decision was made to induce me.  After waiting for labour for nearly two days I was relieved, and I felt that I was in safe hands.”

Up to this point Susan had been keen to have a natural birth, but she was starting to change her mind. “After experiencing the pain of the early contractions, I felt that I had a good understanding of what to expect, and that perhaps a natural birthing experience would not be ideal. The induction was planned for later that evening and I was moved to a ward.”

Bryan went home to feed the couple’s cat, and as soon as he left Susan started to have contractions again. “Bryan got back to find an empty bed and panicked!” Bryan eventually found Susan in the delivery suite, contracting naturally and having gas and air. Because of her high blood pressure she was closely monitored, and when her labour did not seem to be progressing very quickly, the decision was again taken to give her the induction drug.

“At this point, I was asked about pain relief,” says Susan, “and I decided to have an epidural. I’d been made aware through the NCT classes that inductions can make contractions very fast and painful, and my baby was positioned back-to-back, which was giving me bad back pain. The epidural was very effective and I only felt some dull back pain – as if I was on the sofa watching a long movie, and I just needed a prop up with a cushion.”

Despite being given the induction drug, Susan’s labour still did not progress very quickly, and it was the following morning before she was ready to start pushing. “I was told that because of the epidural I may need additional help – forceps or ventouse – but I have never been as determined as I was at that moment, and I managed to do it without help. It made me realise why pelvic floor exercises are so important!”

“It was brilliant to have the support of the midwives and Bryan encouraging me. Previously, I’d felt that a home labour and water birth would be the best option, but once the labour had started I felt that it was preferable to be in a medical environment, because the medical staff are there to advise you on what to expect and you have easy access to medication should it be required. I was really pleased not to have had a long labour pacing up and down in our kitchen.”

Baby Amber was born at 8:40 am on Friday 20th August. “I was quite tearful as she was held against my chest, and I remember saying that it was the little Thailand baby, Frosty the Snowman, who I’d thought I might have lost at one point and I was so relieved that she was finally here. I was really pleased with how the birth had gone and I certainly won't be scared to have baby number two!”

“However, I would have gladly swapped what I felt was a relatively easy birth for fewer problems with feeding.” Amber had difficulty latching on, and also developed jaundice. In addition, Susan suffered from severe mastitis. “I hadn’t imagined that I would do anything but breastfeed my baby. I’ve had lots of help and support from the staff at the hospital, as well has having sessions with breastfeeding counsellors and going to my local BabyCafe, but Amber’s latching issues have never been resolved, and I mainly have to formula feed now. It’s been a huge disappointment for me, but a necessity.”

Despite this minor setback, the family are now doing well. “Amber is a very healthy, happy and smiley girl. I’ve continued to see the girls I met on my prenatal classes and I’ve developed a good support network nearby, which has been a huge help in dealing with the issues that arise in looking after a baby.”

Thomas Charles Truby
Son of Pete and Gayl Truby
Born on the 7th March 2010
At Epsom General Hospital
Weighing 9lb 4oz

Pete, who works in the oil industry, met Gayl in her home town of Aberdeen back in 2001. Since then the couple have moved around the world with Pete’s job, and, initially, children were not high on their agenda. “Pete already has three daughters from his previous marriage, so we’d never really considered having any family together – until three years ago when we both became broody!”

The couple spent two years trying to conceive, before consulting a fertility doctor in Doha, where they were living at the time, and then travelling back to London for treatment at the London Fertility Clinic.

After two cycles of IVF, Gayl became pregnant. “We were over the moon, and I even felt that my all-day morning sickness was a blessing!” Six months later, Pete moved to a UK-based job and the couple moved to Ashtead, where they would be close to friends. The move was a relief for Gayl. “Being pregnant in Doha where the outside temperature was 40 degrees wasn't much fun, and I was very glad to come back to a cold UK.”

Gayl and Pete were delighted when they discovered that their baby was a boy. “It was a proud moment for us, finding out that Pete was finally going to have a son. And it was a good thing, because we only had a name for a boy – long before he was conceived we’d picked the name Thomas.”

When the time came for him to make his appearance in the world, Thomas seemed a little reluctant. “He was too comfortable inside!” Says Gayl. The day before she was due to be induced, Gayl went into labour naturally, but it was still another forty-eight hours before Thomas was born. “After pushing for an hour, the consultant was called in and confirmed that Thomas was back-to-back. We were told I'd need an assisted delivery so I was taken into theatre. By then I didn’t care how Thomas arrived, as long as he arrived safely. Pete was with me the whole time, and he was brilliant – very supportive and great at giving back rubs.”

“They tried to get Thomas out with a ventouse, but he was stuck, and in the end he was born using forceps. We’d wanted Pete to cut the cord, but the surgeon had to do it quickly because it was wrapped around Thomas’s neck twice.”

“When Thomas finally came out, he was placed on my stomach for a quick cuddle. I was overwhelmed and bust into tears. It was a magical moment seeing our wee boy for the first time, he was perfect – and so worth the wait!”

Two days later, Gayl and Thomas were discharged from hospital and made their first trip home. “Thomas looked tiny in his car seat. I felt as if the traffic should have been stopped so that we could drive our precious bundle home with great care. Once we were home we sat cuddling him for hours, and that night Thomas slept very well in the crib next to our bed – though I don't think I slept much for watching over him!”

Gayl gave up her job as a veterinary nurse at the start of her IVF treatment, and is making the most of being a full-time mum. “I feel very lucky to be able to stay at home and look after Thomas. Our days pass so quickly – going to local baby groups, visiting friends and going on lots of walks. Our social lives have taken big step back, but I wouldn't change a thing – we love every moment of it. Thomas is very much our golden boy. He brings us so much joy and every day starts off with a big smile from him.”

James Lachlan David McMinn
Daughter of Carolyn and David McMinn
Born on the 16th May 2010
At Frimley Park Hospital
Weighing 7lb 6oz
Brother to Natasha (7), Emily (6) and Ashleigh (4)

Now a mum of four, Carolyn McMinn didn’t initially see herself as the motherly type, though her husband, David, was confident that she would come round to the idea in time.

“David and I met on the train to university when we were both twenty. I was very focused on completing my degrees, and I wouldn’t move in with him until I’d finished my exams and secured a graduate job.”

“Initially, I completely rejected the idea of marriage and kids. I was very career minded and worked for a large bank, with lots of opportunities to progress up the career ladder. David has always been able to see the big picture and he just waited until I was surrounded by all our friends getting married and having babies.”

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, the family moved to Camberley two years ago, and they had given away all their baby things prior to the big move. “My third pregnancy had been very tiring and I had dreadful varicose veins and carpal tunnel, as well as Ashleigh arriving five weeks early. Three girls under three was sheer madness – we decided that our family was big enough.”

However, fate stepped in and in Autumn 2009 Carolyn had a little surprise. “It was only after eating French toast with bacon and maple syrup at Fego’s for the second week in a row, that I gave serious consideration to the fact that I might be pregnant. I bought a test kit on the way home and did it straight away. I was in complete shock and disbelief!”

Nine weeks into the pregnancy, the couple almost had another surprise. “I had severe back, side and referred shoulder pain – apparently classic symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. I was rushed off to hospital to have everything checked out.  It turned out to be a pinched nerve – nothing to do with the pregnancy at all!  But when I was having an ultrasound, the sonographer thought she saw twins. David and I looked at each other and grinned. I whispered to him ‘call the asylum now’ and he replied ‘for you or me?’. In the end, it turned out to be an echo – so no twins, though I know we would have coped.”

David and Carolyn were also excited to discover that the new baby was a boy. “We thought it would be another girl, given that we had three daughters already. When the student sonographer told me it was a boy I didn’t believe her. I asked her supervisor to check! We were pleasantly surprised, to say the least. The girls were hilarious – naming him everything from Alex to Elephant and all sorts of funny names in between.”

Carolyn found this pregnancy easier than her previous ones, and her labour was pretty speedy too. “After some gentle hip swinging - don’t knock it! - the labour was short and very intense – I flattened the batteries on the TENS for the first time ever. The midwife was caught unawares because my transition was very short - it lasted a couple of minutes, and after another few minutes of pushing James was born. David was wonderful, as usual. He’s very intuitive, and he gave me cold water, back rubs and encouragement when I felt as though I couldn’t go on. It was all over within a couple of hours. I was in shock, specifically about what to do with a boy, after three girls!” 

Carolyn and baby James spent their first night together on the post-natal ward. “With six mums and six new babies, I had more chance of sleeping in the middle of the M3 during rush hour!” But the next day they were able to go home, where Carolyn’s mother and David were on hand to help out. “Mum was amazing – she took over the running of the house to let me recover, and never worried about anything. David was still getting over a serious bout of pneumonia, so we spent a lot of time resting together.”

Carolyn had some initial issues with James’s feeding.  “I couldn’t believe it, because I’d had no trouble with the girls. James wasn’t attaching well and it took ten days to establish breastfeeding properly, with support from midwives and lactation consultants. I ended up buying formula and a bottle because he was so hungry and frustrated.”

But other than that, James has slotted in to McMinn family life with relative ease. “He just loves the girls – I think he’s worked out that there are three of them and that they all play with him in slightly different ways. David’s Dad lives with us, so James is very fortunate to have a grandparent on hand. He loves to jump up and down and play around with Pappy. He also ‘talks’ to my Mum and Dad every Sunday on Skype.”

“Despite my initial reservations about going back to nappies and broken sleep, it feels as if we’ve always had four children. We’ve adapted, and he’s had to fit in to our lifestyle – as did all the girls. Sure, there’s some give and take, but we still go camping, and we spent most of last summer touring around Europe. Life is short – make the most of the time you have!”

Hettie Christmas
Daughter of Jo and Mark Christmas
Born on the 28th February 2010
At St Richards hospital, Chichester
Weighing 8lb 7oz
Sister to Tilly (2 ½)

Jo Christmas was determined not to have a second baby born by caesarean. “Tilly was breech, and we decided on a caesarean because it seemed like the safest option, but it couldn’t have been further from the water birth that I’d planned. I was devastated, and it took me a long time to get over it.”

When she became pregnant with Hettie, Jo was in the first year of running her own business. After going to classes with Tilly, she had bought the West Surrey franchise of the baby swimming company, Water Babies, which she runs together with her husband Mark – when he isn’t busy with his full-time job as a fire-fighter.

 “I was thrilled to be pregnant again, but this one was a much tougher pregnancy. I had SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) so badly that I was on crutches, and I also had a toddler to look after and a business to run – it was exhausting.”

Having missed out on the natural birth she had so badly wanted the first time, Jo was distressed to be told, at 30 weeks, that this baby was breech too. “I thought ‘this isn’t happening again’. I spent a lot of time on my elbows with my bottom in the air. I booked an acupuncturist. I did everything I could.”

All the effort paid off, and when she was scanned again Hettie was in the right position. Jo was on course for her natural birth. “When you’re having a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) they have to monitor you to make sure that your scar doesn’t rupture, so a water birth isn’t an option. But I wanted to keep it as natural as possible. I opted not to have a sweep, and, luckily, two days after my due date I went into labour naturally.”

Although she was having regular contractions, the waters hadn’t broken and the hospital staff encouraged Jo to stay at home. “When the contractions were nearly constant we really had to persuade them to let us come in – I was concerned that I might give birth in the car on the way.”

In fact, Jo was 9cm dilated when she arrived at the hospital, and her waters never broke – “I don’t know what happened to them!” Soon afterwards, with just gas and air, she gave birth to Hettie. “I know it sounds weird, but I really enjoyed the whole thing. It was amazing, and I wanted to share my story, to encourage other women who are hoping for a VBAC.”

“Mark was wonderful during the birth. With his help I managed to concentrate on breathing through each contraction almost meditatively, so the room was really peaceful and quiet – everything I wanted Hettie to be born into. Mark commented afterwards that he found it a very calming experience, much more peaceful and private than the c-section.”

After one night in hospital, Jo and Hettie were able to go home. “I wondered whether I’d ever be able to love another child as much as I love Tilly, but instead of being halved, my love has doubled. And it’s such a joy to see the relationship between the two of them.”

Ever the multitasking mum, Jo is also back running Water Babies. “I have been known to take a phone call while feeding Hettie! It’s a great business to have with a baby in tow.”

Zachary Joseph Bell
Son of Simon Bell and Cressy Chandler-Bell
Born on the 20th December 2009
At St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey
Weighing 7lb 11oz

Chertsey couple, Simon and Cressy, met when Simon was the lead singer in a local band. “I used to go and watch their gigs. I guess I was a bit of a groupie!” Cressy and Simon got together, and the relationship quickly became serious. “It just felt so right. We moved in together within three months, and we discussed the idea of marriage and starting a family.”

“We bought our house in 2007 and Simon proposed on our first night here, which was really special. We married in June 2008 – it was the best day of my life!”

Cressy came off the pill in January 2009, but didn’t expect anything to happen for a while. “I’d been on the pill for thirteen years, and the idea was that I would give my body a break before we started trying for a family. By the beginning of April I was pregnant.”

“I nearly fell over when the line went pink. I did two more tests just to make sure. Simon was out and when he came back I sat him down on the bed and blurted it out. He stared at me silently for a very long time before saying 'well done' – as if I'd passed an exam or something! Weirdly, I sensed straightaway that it was a boy, and Simon thought so too.”

Apart from some morning sickness, Cressy had a trouble-free pregnancy. “The only slight aggravation was not being able to celebrate my 30th birthday, Simon’s 30th birthday, or our first wedding anniversary the way I would have liked to – with a large glass of champagne or three!”

Zac was due on Christmas Eve, but on the morning of the 19th of December Cressy, who was hoping that her child wouldn’t have Christmas day birthday, started having contractions. I couldn't sleep, so I went downstairs and I spent the day lying on the sofa watching TV.” Simon, who owns a property maintenance business, was busy at work. “He went off to with the strict instructions to keep his phone at hand.”

“At 7pm the contractions were still 20 minutes apart so we decided to go out for dinner with Simon’s parents, as planned. I started to feel very uncomfortable in the restaurant, and we left at 10 o'clock. When we got home the contractions suddenly started coming thick and fast - every 2-3 minutes – and were much stronger. We couldn't get hold of the hospital on the phone, so Simon drove me straight there.”
 
“One of the midwives, Katie, examined me. I was sure I'd be at least three centimetres dilated as I'd been contracting all day and I was in so much pain, but I was only 1cm. I begged not to be sent home and, sensing my pain, Katie ran me a bath and said I could stay.”

“The bath helped a bit, and Simon was good at rubbing my back, but after a while I noticed that I'd started to bleed. The pain was now severe, and I was begging for an epidural – having previously wanted a purely natural birth.”

“The epidural was a welcome relief, and I could suddenly start to talk sensibly again - I remember chatting about the X factor results with the midwife!”

“After what seemed like an eternity, they said I had reached 10cm and I could start to push. I was told the baby was coming down at an awkward angle and, after pushing for an hour and a half, the decision was made to go up and get him. Within minutes the room had filled with about eight people, the lower bed was folded away and my legs were in stirrups. I had to have an episiotomy and they used a ventouse to get Zac out.”
 
“I remember Zac suddenly being out and on my tummy. He was screaming loudly and was absolutely perfect - the image of Simon. Before I could say anything, one of the midwives said 'he's too hot' and he was whisked to the other side of the room to be checked by a paediatrician. He confirmed that Zac’s temperature was a bit high and would need to be monitored. I was allowed a cuddle, and managed to get him latched onto the breast before he was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit.”

While Simon went to the NICU with Zac, Cressy, still recovering from the epidural, stayed on the ward. “The kind midwives allowed my Mum to come and sit with me so I wasn't on my own. I went into organisational mode and texted everyone madly telling them our news. Weirdly, I wasn't overly worried about Zac at that stage – I was still in shock, I think. It was later, when I learnt that his temperature and blood sugar had fallen to worryingly low levels, and that he'd had a tube inserted in his nose, that I got upset.”

Cressy was wheeled down onto the transitional ward. “It was hard being surrounded by the other women and their babies when mine was in special care. Simon had popped home to have a couple of hours sleep, and when he arrived back at about 7pm he found me in floods of tears. He wheeled me up to NICU where I was able to see and hold Zac properly for the first time.”

“It was horrible seeing him in there, but compared to the other tiny premature babies he seemed huge and very healthy. Fortunately, all his preliminary test results had come back negative so I was allowed to take him back onto the ward with me as long as he stayed in his specially heated 'hot cot'. They removed his feeding tube too - much to my relief!”

Cressy and Zac had to stay in hospital for a couple of days. “Though it was frustrating at the time, in hindsight it was a good thing because I managed to get some rest and the midwives helped me to establish breastfeeding. We were inundated by visitors – Simon and I both come from big families, and everyone was desperate to meet Zac.”

The new family were allowed to go home on the 23rd of December – just in time for Christmas. “Christmas day was very surreal - we had a midwife call round to do the heel prick test, my milk had come in, so I was all over the place emotionally, and we were all exhausted.”

“We were just hugely relieved that Zac was okay – and we will be forever grateful to the angels who work at St Peters, especially the paediatricians, midwives & NICU nurses. Zac is the apple of our eye. His grandparents and aunts love him to bits. I love being a mum – it’s the most satisfying thing I've ever done, and Simon is a natural father. We hope to give Zac a brother or sister one day - but not yet, we want to enjoy him first.”

Ava Christina May Crouch
Daughter of Rachel and James Crouch
Born on the 1st January 2010
At home in Epsom
Weighing 6lb 12oz
Sister to Amelia (6) and Oliver (3)

“Down Syndrome can happen to anyone. I never thought in a million years it would happen to me, but all it has done is bring us closer as a family and made us love Ava even more.”

In December 2009, Rachel and James Crouch were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child. “I’d had a terrific pregnancy and all of my scans, including the nuchal scan, were clear.”

Rachel, who runs theatre and performing arts schools in Sutton and Guildford, had planned a water birth at home, and went into labour on New Year’s Eve while hosting a dinner party. “I threw our guests out at 11.15, and at 6.14am on New Year’s Day Ava was born.  My doula, Beverly Ashwell, was fantastic and she helped me to breastfeed Ava, while making James and me toast and tea.”  

However, this blissful scene didn’t last for long. “The midwives disappeared into the kitchen, and after an hour they appeared again – to tell me that they thought Ava had Down Syndrome.  My heart sank, and what had been elation and joy turned into shock and horror.”
 
“Although, looking back, it wasn’t at all necessary, they transferred us immediately to Epsom General by ambulance. I was in shock. I wouldn’t hold Ava or talk. They put us in a private room in the labour ward and asked the paediatricians to come and look at Ava.”

The doctors were unable to make an immediate diagnosis. “They weren’t sure.  After an agonising week’s wait we found out, from a blood test, that Ava did have Down Syndrome. I was heartbroken. I felt as though I was living a nightmare.”

Discovering that their new baby daughter had Downs wasn’t the only thing that Rachel and James had to deal with at this point. “Ava was also projectile vomiting. She was given tests for reflux, and still she vomited. After an x-ray it was suspected that she had a blocked duodenum. We were rushed to St George’s where Ava had another x-ray. The paediatric surgeon suspected either a blocked duodenum or a twisted bowel, which sounded horrifying! They said that they would have to do a two hour operation.”

Fortunately the operation was successful, and Ava made a full recovery. Now all Rachel had to do was come to terms with Ava’s Down Syndrome. “The health professionals I saw told me about all the morbid aspects of having a child with Down Syndrome. I took a decision that I wasn’t going to pay any attention to this, and that Ava and our family would carry on as normal.”

A few months on, and Ava is thriving. “To start with, the Downs was all we were thinking and worrying about, but as her personality develops and we see how amazing she is, it matters less and less. Now I don’t see Downs at all, all I see is my beautiful, funny, happy daughter Ava.”

“It’s opened my eyes to how society can hold people with disabilities back, when actually Ava is hitting all the expected milestones and doing just as well as any other baby. The NHS can pigeon hole children with special needs, but it’s important to realise that they’re all individuals and they should be treated that way. My vision for Ava in the future is for her to lead a normal life, in a normal society, like all other normal people.”

“Having Ava has brought all of my family and friends much closer together. She’s also shown us how much everyone cares about us and our family. The support has been fantastic.”

“My doula, Beverly, was also wonderful – before, during, but particularly after the birth.  I would never have bonded with Ava or got through such a horrendous time without her constant support and kind words.”

“I think that what I really want to say is that nothing matters apart from the health and happiness of your children, however they come out. I feel truly blessed to have been given Ava as my daughter and, even if I could, I wouldn’t change her for the world. She is my angel.”