“Farhanah was one of my birthing partners alongside my husband. She was there from the very beginning of my labour, initially via WhatsApp and then in person when baby was ready to meet us.I initially messaged her when I was loosing my mucus plug, she reassured me and advised me to keep an eye on it and what signs to look out for incase I needed to head in to hospital. A few days later in the early morning my waters broke, I messaged Farhanah again, she again reassured me that everything was normal and to rest and that she would make her way over. Once she arrived we spent the day trying to get my contractions to start/be consistent. Farhanah had lots of suggestions, came with me for a walk and generally supported me throughout the day, whether that was getting me food, drinks or just comforting words. Again in the early hours my contractions started to become more consistent and closer together, Farhanah suggested for us to call the hospital to let them know we were coming in, she knew I wanted a natural, non medicated birth on the midwife led unit. When we called the hospital they said we had to go to triage first as my waters had been broken for more than 24hrs, I asked Farhanah to speak to them as my contractions were getting closer and stronger and the lady on the phone was being difficult. On the way to the hospital me, Farhanah and my husband went through my birthing plan, Farhanah told me what I could request if the hospital tried to force me to do it their way, and I was happy with her recommendations as they were still in line with my birth plan, respected my wishes and still had me and my babies health as top priority. When we finally arrived at the hospital Farhanah was very patient with me as I was struggling to walk due to the contractions, she led me to triage and checked me in. Whilst me and my baby were being monitored she was speaking with the midwives about what would be the next steps, she was very polite and professional, advocating for me every step of the way. As the midwives started to prep a room for me I felt a change in my contractions and instantly knew my baby was coming, Farhanah was helping me with down breathing, coaching me, motivating me, telling me that ‘I had this’ and that my son was almost here. All I remember seeing during the pushing phase, which lasted about 12minutes was her excited face, telling to keep going, and then my son made his entrance into the world. Once my son was born Farhanah still conversed with the midwives to make sure everything was OK, she stayed with us until they had finished stitching me up and me and my husband felt happy/confident to be left. I appreciated Farhanahs advice and input throughout my pregnancy and birth. She helped keep me motivated and positive throughout my birth, advocated for me when I was contracting and not in a position to hold a full blown conversation with the midwives and consultant. Thanks to Farhanah I had a birth that I was happy with and I honestly feel it could have gone differently if she wasn’t there to support me. Farhanah is very knowledgeable, she is able to inform you of your options, what will happen next, why the midwives/consultants have made certain suggestions etc, and keep you and your babies safety constantly as the main priority.” R, 2026