From my first meeting with Juliette and informing her on my plan to homebirth she has been the biggest support to me and my family. Juliette made me feel like I could achieve anything and every single appointment with her throughout my pregnancy left me feeling empowered. Juliette asked me early on what I wished for my labour and each time we spoke she reminded me, made sure she knew every detail of my plan and was so positive, anytime I doubted myself or felt nervous she brought me right back to feeling excited and ready to give birth. Juliette was first at the door when I began having strong contractions. From the second she came into my home, I felt safe and relaxed.

The genuine excitement she shared with me and my partner was heartwarming. Throughout my labour, she was what I can only describe as an angel. I laboured at home for as long as I could before I requested an ambulance due to having no more gas and air left. Whilst waiting on the ambulance arriving Juliette continued to support my partner and I and even in the panic, remained calm and constantly reminded me of how strong I was and that I was ok. She was behind me as I walked to the ambulance, talking me through my contractions. In the ambulance, she was so comforting and between contractions, I could still see her smiling at me and encouraging me to listen to my body.

We arrived at the maternity doors in the ambulance and she straight away flew into action still making sure I was comfortable, Baby made a very quick arrival before we could get in. Juliette made sure my partner didn’t miss his birth she got him in the back in enough time to see our son be born. Once in the hospital, she continued to make sure my wishes were followed. Even after the birth plan went a different direction, she made sure every single thing we had discussed was done. She supported my partner, reminded him of skin-to-skin, and took his first picture with our baby. My umbilical cord tie was used even when I had forgotten about it completely.

Juliette kept telling me she was so proud of me and her genuine emotion is something I will never forget. There was not one point throughout the day where Juliette wasn’t smiling, encouraging me, or making sure we had everything we needed. I can honestly say that Juliette is someone I will never forget, we are so incredibly grateful to have had someone so caring and kind looking after us. Even when my plan wasn’t something I was even thinking about she made sure I got it, I have never met someone that radiates such positivity and happiness. My birth was so important to me, but it also felt so important to Juliette. The attention she gave and the way she made both myself and my partner feel throughout pregnancy and birth were absolutely extraordinary. She believed in me and never once showed any doubt even in a situation where everyone else in the room felt panicked.

There aren’t enough words to say how thankful we are to her. She was our biggest advocate for 9 months and prioritised even the smallest details that could have been easily forgotten. With each hour that passed, her attitude never changed, and where most would be exhausted after such a long shift, she skipped out of our hospital room, still telling us how proud she was with the biggest smile. Juliette was the perfect midwife and my biggest supporter. I am so grateful she was such a big part of my son's story. Juliette is the most amazing health professional I have ever met and I can’t wait to share this story with my son one day.