In March 2005 my husband, Mark and I had confirmation that I was pregnant.

We planned a healthy peaceful pregnancy and decided that a gentle birth in our home would be our aim. We were excited at having met Eleanor when I was 6 weeks pregnant and quickly decided we would ask Eleanor to guide us through pregnancy and help bring our baby into the world.

Antenatal visits were educational and fun and we enjoyed getting to know Eleanor who helped us explore our thoughts on childbirth and allowed us to plan our birth with choice and gentle guidance. As my due date approached I used osteopathy and hypnotherapy to prepare myself for the birth. Mark and I read books and went to antenatal classes.  I remained well and became increasingly calm, yet ready for the birth. Mark remained highly supportive throughout pregnancy and created a wonderful home to bring our baby into.

Shortly before the birth we were introduced to another great midwife Sharon (Eleanor's back-up) who was to assist at the birth. We felt our birth team was complete and ready for the big day.

On the 16th of November my waters broke in the evening and the following day this was confirmed by Eleanor.  Birth was imminent and we decided to take a walk in the New Forest and Eleanor’s parting words that morning were "it is a beautiful day to have a baby." We were excited and yet peaceful that day when Henrys birth began as his protective waters left him.

It was 18th November and our little boy was beginning his journey towards us. I started to pace in the morning and a very reassuring visit from Eleanor confirmed I was in early labour. We were to call later when contractions got going. Not long after this I felt the need for some relaxation and spent time in our hot tub in the garden with Mark who held me through each contraction and spoke great words of encouragement and wisdom. It was wonderful being so close to Mark and so near to nature in the garden whilst experiencing such a natural event .

As contractions picked up I felt the need to be in my home and went inside to the birth pool and Mark called Eleanor and then continued to hold me close and talk me through contractions. I did not feel frightened or in pain. I felt entirely with my body emotionally and physically and enjoyed each contraction. It was amazing. I hardly noticed Eleanor or Sharon-they were very discrete but were fully accessible to me and Mark and kept a close eye on me and baby Henry which was so reassuring. Time passed and I felt I had reached a calm and I believe this was the transition phase. I floated in the pool momentarily and all was quiet and peaceful, my body took a break.

Then second stage of labour progressed. Henry and me and Mark tried hard to release him to the world and had wonderful guidance from Eleanor and Sharon. Henry’s hair was visible but he stayed firmly in place and didn’t progress further no matter what I tried! I began to get tired and we decided that it was time to get further assistance in hospital as Henry just couldn't progress on his journey any further.

We journeyed to hospital by ambulance and Henrys heart rate remained good. We were admitted to hospital and a forceps delivery was attempted by the doctor but eventually Henry arrived by caesarian section on the 18th November at 19.51. He weighed 9lb 4oz.

Eleanor arranged to have Henry put onto my chest to bond as soon as he was checked and helped me establish breastfeeding. Both Eleanor and Sharon were a wonderful support to me and my husband who must have felt highly emotional during the caesarean section.

Eight weeks on and we are all doing well and our memories of pregnancy and birth are fantastic. We felt very protected and cared for both antenatally, during birth and postnatally and our discharge day came and we were sad to say goodbye. This was our time to transition to becoming confident parents on our own.

We have enjoyed getting to know Eleanor and over a shorter period, Sharon and hope we will continue to stay in contact.  Thank you Eleanor (and Sharon) you have contributed to an amazing life event. We shall never forget....