In this week's interview I'm joined by Faye, who shares her positive hospital birth experience in the UK, following a highly medicalised and high intervention first birth in Canada.

Faye reflects on how her previous experience shaped her hopes for a different kind of birth the second time around, including her wish for a home birth. She speaks openly about how staffing shortages in her area meant this wasn’t possible, and how she navigated the disappointment while still holding onto what mattered most to her, feeling informed, supported, and trusted.

During labour, Faye describes how a changeover in midwives had a noticeable impact on her experience. She reflects on how the arrival of a new midwife, who trusted her instincts and approach to labour, helped her feel calmer, more confident, and better able to stay in her own rhythm. Feeling listened to and believed in allowed her to trust herself, labour intuitively, and avoid unnecessary checks or interventions.

Throughout the conversation, Faye shares how self-trust, advocacy, and supportive care shaped her birth experience, and how a hospital setting did not prevent her from having a positive, empowering birth. This episode explores themes of flexibility, autonomy, and the profound difference it can make when care providers truly trust the birthing woman.

These stories are personal experiences and are shared for informational purposes only. They should not be taken as medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

British Birthing Stories shares real, unfiltered stories of childbirth in the UK, from pregnancy and labour to postpartum recovery.

These stories reflect personal experiences and should not be taken as or replace medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

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