http://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/

Blossom and Bloom HHFT, Basingstoke (2025)

13/06/2025

💫 Feedback Friday 💫 I wanted to share my amazing experience on our recent home birth.

My named midwife was Lola who I met around 28 weeks and from day dot made me feel at ease and welcome. She was honestly a walking angel who went above and beyond. Answered any questions I had never rushed an appointment and was just great from start to finish every time. She has the best banta and would just make every appointment seem like you were just chatting with a mate. She explained what would happen at a home birth and what to expect. Unfortunately the day I went into labour Lola was on a day off which I was really worried about. However, I was supported by Dee and Sarah who were absolutely awesome and supported me through the whole thing. I couldn’t have asked for two better midwifes to bring my baby earth side. I had met Dee previously who just has such a calm and friendly personality. Dee was so reassuring and she kept me calm. Not once did they leave my side, we chatted and laughed through it all and I had a very calm and quick labour which I totally give credit for the midwives for their calm manner. I couldn’t have asked for anything better despite having to be transferred to the hospital after birth it didn’t ruin the experience for me. Dee and Sarah stayed with me the whole time explaining what was going to happen. Nothing was rushed everything was done at my own pace. The after care I received from all the midwives I met in the first week was honestly the best and I couldn’t say a bad word about the team. I’d choose a home birth again in a heartbeat. After my first pregnancy I never thought I’d get the labour I wanted but Lola, Dee and Sarah made that possible and don’t receive another credit for what they do.

I never really knew about home birth till I chose to have one myself and it was the best decision I’ve made. From start to finish I received the best care and even to this day. To the midwives who popped in just to say hi to the ones who picked the phone up, you haven’t gone unnoticed, we as a family appreciate every single one of you. The biggest thank you to you all🙏🏽

🌸

07/06/2025

This wonderful mama held on just until her midwives arrived. Even so, her birth preferences were still adhered too and with one quick minute to spare, made it into her ready birthing pool and birthed her baby with her family and children for full support. Super speedy but still super calm. 💫

Well done mama, we are so happy for you 🤍

05/06/2025

A wonderful morning meeting this little one come earth side and this wonderful mama was supported by one of our midwifery students, Abbie 💫

Massive congratulations to our Blossom and Bloom Mamas, so far, this week 🫶🏻

23/05/2025

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸

I wanted to share a little bit about the incredible experience of our recent home birth — something I had wanted and worked towards throughout my pregnancy.

Even though I was technically considered outside the usual guidelines for a homebirth, I never once felt dismissed or unsupported by the team. My named midwife, Cath, helped me achieve the birth I had hoped for — safely and calmly, with incredible support throughout.
———
I woke up one Sunday morning with some very light cramps and around 6pm, the sensations became a little more intense, I couldn’t quite believe it!
Over the next hour, things progressed much faster than I had expected, especially as this was my first time going into labour. I called the triage line at 7pm, Cath arrived at 8pm and the baby was born at 8:19pm and I held him in my arms skin to skin just as I’d planned.

Despite the speed at which this baby was coming, he was delivered in a calm environment with my husband by my side and Cath expertly guiding me through delivery. Even with so little time, Cath remembered my preferences, spoke to me calmly and confidently, and I trusted her completely to keep both me and my baby safe — all while honouring the way I wanted to give birth.

Being in our own home, in our own space, made everything feel so natural — and probably contributed to such a smooth, positive birth. Climbing into my own bed just hours after giving birth and waking up the next morning to our eldest child coming into the room to meet his baby brother — it was pure magic.

From the very beginning, I was lucky to have the most amazing support from Cath. Her belief in me, her calm confidence, and the trust we built made all the difference. What I wanted truly mattered, and Cath was always focused on helping me achieve a safe, empowered birth at home. …… CONT IN COMMENTS 🌟

16/05/2025

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸 Words of wisdom from our amazing Blossom and Bloom mama…. 🌟 To anyone thinking about having a VBAC at home… you can do it!!🌟

When I was pregnant with my first son, I had every intention of bringing him into the world at home. But he had other plans and got a bit stuck on his way out, so I ended up having a caesarean section. It was a necessary decision, but it left me with a lingering desire to experience a different kind of birth.

During my second pregnancy, I decided to try for a VBAC at home. The Blossom and Bloom team, including Annie, my midwife from my first pregnancy, was incredibly supportive from the start. I also got to speak with consultant obstetrician and consultant midwife during my pregnancy, who both reassured me about my decision and explained the benefits and risks of my options. I never felt pressured to change my mind.

Annie sadly left the team before my due date, but I was lucky to have Dee take over, who was just as kind and supportive. Her gentle approach made me feel confident in my plans.

On Good Friday, at 37+6 weeks, I woke up at 4am to my waters breaking. Contractions didn’t start immediately, but an hour later, labour ramped up quickly, and the homebirth team was called out. By 5:30am, I felt the urge to push. We called an ambulance just in case, and at 6am, Tara, a community midwife, and the paramedics arrived. Tara’s presence was calming, and she reassured me that everything was going well and provided some much needed gas and air.

Katrina from Blossom and Bloom arrived soon after, and both she and Tara were incredibly supportive. They helped me move into different positions to encourage the baby to move down. Between contractions, I thought, “I’m actually going to do this. I’m actually going to have my baby at home.” …. CONTINUED IN COMMENTS

05/05/2025

💫 What a perfect end to International day of the midwife by introducing you to our next midwife in the series ‘Meet Your Midwife Monday’ 💫

Hi, I am Tina, I’m a midwife of nearly 18 years and I’ve been part of the amazing Blossom and Bloom Community Birth Team since 2019—and I’ve never looked back!

We’re a small, passionate team providing personalised, holistic care to women and their families. For me, the absolute highlight is supporting a family through pregnancy and then being there to welcome their baby into the world at home—it’s truly special.

When I’m not midwifing, you’ll find me dancing! I grew up in the 80s (best era, in my opinion), and while I’ve swapped nightclubs for a tap dance class, I still have regular kitchen dance parties to the radio.

I’m also a bit of a TV addict—give me a good crime drama or true crime doc and I’m hooked (classic middle-aged woman energy, right?).
And of course, I love a good pub walk with my dog.

02/05/2025

I was always curious about home birth and I cannot recommend them enough. I felt so informed, supported and cared for during my pregnancy from my midwife Tina. I felt very comfortable with the idea of labouring and delivering at home by the time I was full term.

I was very done with pregnancy by 41+4 days and when in hospital on the cusp of an induction (completely not my “plan”!) when my waters went on their own, which allowed us to go back home and try for our home birth.

I laboured at home peacefully throughout the day until things started to pick up that evening and I was visited by Beth and Lola who put me at ease. I was dilated to 3cm, but Lola suggested I try a few contractions while side-lunging over my medicine ball which shifted baby into the right spot to really get things going. It really worked!

There was a shift change during this where Samantha and Katrina came over and brought a lovely calm and confident vibe. I loved labouring in my home with fairy lights, my music and gas and air to help. I remember thinking during that time how lovely an experience it was! I had read a lot about breathing my baby down to avoid tearing so when I began to feel the fetal ejection reflex I focused on breathing my baby down rather than pushing.

After a fairly quick active labour I gave birth to our little boy in our front room, a whopping 9lb5oz. Although we could see he was alert he needed some help to get crying and Samantha and Katrina were amazing. It was a little scary but they helped him with quick confidence before I got to hold him wailing away. It was recommended I go into the hospital for observations with baby afterwards.

Fortunately we were both doing really well so we could take our time, I had a shower at home and we all shared some hot buttered sourdough toast before heading over and the short stay in hospital did not take away from having a positive birth. On the whole my experience is what I think every woman should receive in pregnancy - attuned to her needs and supportive of her desires. Thanks to the whole team for helping me with one of my greatest achievements!

27/04/2025

🌸 Meet the Midwives 🌸

You’ve been asking and we’re excited to share- it’s happening 💫 Join us for another positive and uplifting ‘Meet the Midwives’ event on Sunday, May 18th 1-3pm at our beautiful Andover Birth Centre.

🧐 Whether you’re still deciding where you’d like to give birth, we’re here to answer all your questions about planning a home birth or choosing the birth centre. We can’t wait to see you there 💫

Everyone is welcome!

25/04/2025

💫 Feedback Friday 💫

I was under the b&b team from 37 weeks with my third baby, and I would 100% recommend!! Despite only being under their care from 37 weeks, they made me feel so comfortable and confident in my decision to have a home birth!

The evening I went into labour, Lois and Lola arrived, and honestly, it was like they weren’t even there (in a good way!!) They let me do my thing in my way, kept me and my husband updated on everything that was going on!! Despite needing a hospital transfer after baby was born, i still had an amazing homebirth and only laboured for an amazing 57 minutes, which I 100% put down to being relaxed and comfortable!

The next day, Katrina, who was my midwife whilst under b&b, came and saw me in hospital and managed to find out all the info we needed ❣️

When I told people I was planning on homebirth, 90% said ‘wow you’re brave’, but I felt more safe and comfortable under b&b at home than I had done any hospital ❣️

18/04/2025

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸

I had planned a home birth, but on the day I had to go in to hospital due to a suspension of services (my baby was born just before new year).

Nevertheless, all was peaceful. I gave birth in the pool at Basingstoke Hospital to a perfectly healthy baby after a 23h labour, with no tears or interventions. Baby was born at 8pm, and we were home in our own bed at midnight.

I was grateful for the care given by the Blossom and Bloom team before and after the birth nevertheless.

The confidence and calmness instilled in me by the team allowed me to have my dream birth, even though it wasn’t at home.

My advice for any women wanting a normal vaginal birth is to watch and listen to stories about as many normal vaginal births as possible! Otherwise it’s a bit like doing the most intense sport you’ve ever done, without ever having seen it played.

There are great birth photographer accounts, and positive birth stories podcasts - get stuck in x

07/04/2025

🌟 Meet your midwives Monday 🌟

Hi everyone! I am Lola and I am so excited to kick off our ‘Meet your midwives Monday’ series!

👩🏼‍⚕️ By day (and often by night), I’m a community birth midwife with Blossom and Bloom and I support pregnant people and families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. I believe in the power and wisdom of the physiological process of birth and I feel honoured to offer compassionate, informed and family-centered care that supports women in achieving this. Being part of a transformative and sacred time in people’s life’s is a privilege I never take for granted.

☀️ Outside of work you’ll usually find me in the gym lifting heavy things, out walking in nature or playing mum taxi to my two (not so little) boys. I love my social life and cherish time with family and friends- whether that’s catching up over coffee, sharing a picnic, or embracing beautiful chaos of life. When time allows I love paddle boarding, the seaside, travelling and soaking up new experiences.

🌸 I can’t wait to introduce you to the rest of our amazing team over the next few weeks 🌸 We are here for you and if you would like to start planning your community birth, please speak to your community midwife who will promptly refer you to us.

With love, Lola

04/04/2025

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸
I always knew I wanted a homebirth, from before I was pregnant. Despite being told that as a FTM (first time mum) I was “brave” and others worrying about risks, I did my research and was 100% sure a calm, homely and familiar birth environment was the right thing for me. I had a really long labour in the end - and couldn’t imagine how uncomfortable I would have been in hospital. I was able to rest in my own bed, snuggle my dogs and have all my home comforts. I gave birth as the sun came up, in our conservatory, under fairy lights… and it was beautiful ❤️. Having all my appointments at home, both pre and post birth, was such a luxury.

💫 Words of wisdom for any new homebirth mama 💫
You are stronger than you can even imagine. And with the wisdom of other strong women around you, you really can do anything.

Blossom and Bloom HHFT

13/06/2025

07/06/2025

05/06/2025

23/05/2025

16/05/2025

05/05/2025

02/05/2025

27/04/2025

25/04/2025

18/04/2025

07/04/2025

04/04/2025

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