With Olivia my midwife was called Jane. She was older, brusque and a bit "rough round the edges" but she was amazing. My Ob used to request her specifically to attend births with him. She was truly amazing. I am still in touch with her now. (She is in Darwin). She was so humorous, treated DH like a real person, was totally "on my side" and appeared to have a sixth sense about what was going to happen next all the time. She was so calm. I had total faith in her. After Olivia was born (shoulder dystocia, all a bit dramatic apparently) I thanked her, and she had a tear and told me that helping me had been her privilege. We both cried happy tears on each others shoulders. And the next day she came into see me and Olivia on her rostered day off and took us for a coffee in the hospital bistro. It felt like she was my Mum. I am so glad we are still in touch.

With Charlie, her name was Chris. She had red curly hair and the most wicked sense of humour and sparkly eyes. She appeared to have total faith in my from the minute we met: or at least that is the impression she gave me, which filled me with an immense amount of confidence. Again, she treated DH like a real part of the whole birth bizzo, and really utilised DH (I gave birth standing up and she needed him to help). She asked me exactly how I wanted the birth to be, and was really consultative, and put up with me swearing like a trooper. She was lovely.

I actually really hoped to get Chris again when I gave birth to Lexie (small hospital, chances where quite high!) but she was on AL sadly. BUT all for the best, as I had a midwife who I knew through the parents support group called Liz, who was WONDERFUl. Very brisk, inspired total confidence, and again totally respected what i wanted and utilised DH. I walked into the the delivery suite whilst in transition and gave birth only a few minutes later, so she didn't have much time to chat, but seemed to pick up really quickly that Lexie was coming RIGHT NOW, LOL, and just caught her as she came out. (Again, I was standing up.)