My care meant I experienced such respect and choice, always feeling at the centre of every decision. I was trusted as expert of my body and baby, meaning I felt so empowered and cared for over the entire journey. Choosing private midwives was the best decision ever, and I would do this again without a doubt even if needing to birth in hospital for a future birth. Being held by skilled clinicians that we have built relationships with, meant on the day we were so comfortable, and my partner was freed up to be completely immersed in birth with me, also feeling the same peace to be in our experience and know we were safe, respected and cared for throughout. I feel so deeply that starting parenting from a place of empowerment and joy following our incredibly positive birth experience set us all on a trajectory for bonding easily, feeding without issues and good mental health for me and my partner. Having lived mental health challenges this was the main motivator in choosing a model of care that had the best outcomes for mothers, and I feel I have now lived the benefits of this. I wish that there was funding subsidies, as this choice came with lots of effort of opening a bank account and saving before conceiving our child, but the midwives are worth their weight in gold. The cost is due mainly to cover their insurance as they aren’t covered under any hospitals insurance policy, knowing the level of care and investment, and 24/7 availability they provide for questions and concerns, they are angels and worth every penny. I just wish this care model was accessible for all regardless of financial position. Hopefully in the future! This was the best day of my life and I felt empowered to manage the pain of labour due to everyone present believing in me, trusting birth and women’s bodies, and being known to me allowed me to feel safe, surrender and lean into all that is birth. I had a small graze and birthed my baby in the pool- the best moment!