Big Day (February 22, 2003): I woke up at 4:15 a.m. and had bloody show. I woke Shaun up, and the amniotic fluid started coming out. We both sat in the lounge chatting and trying to decide if this was it. We had the baby book out and were reading up, etc. We finally decided that this was obviously the big day that we become parents. Early!

I started having contractions at 6 a.m. They were about five minutes apart, which lasted the whole morning. I phoned the midwife to tell her what was happening. My sister came around to visit, walked into the room, and I was laughing and chatting. She was quite surprised and said, Aren't you in labor? I said, Yes, but I am fine.

We all went to the midwife at around 12 p.m. for my check up. I had an internal exam, which was very uncomfortable. I was only 2 centimeters dilated. The midwife said my next check up would be at around 4:30 p.m. and that I must phone her when the contractions were closer together and time the length of each one.

Shaun helped by timing the contractions with a cell stopwatch. They got stronger and stronger, but I could handle them. I got lots of support from my husband – Breathe, blow, breathe, blow.

I phoned the midwife with contraction information at around 3:50 p.m., and she said she would be on her way. I had just put down the phone and then all of a sudden I could feel the pressure of the head pushing! I told Shaun, who promptly said that it was my imagination and that I must stop pushing, just breathe and blow. I told him I was serious and that he better phone the midwife back to tell her to get here now!

She spoke to me and told me to go on my hands and knees and put my bum in the air and shoulders down and gave a whole lot of instructions to Shaun. Shaun, my poor husband – I gave him quite a scare. He had visions of delivering his daughter by himself.

Before I knew it, the midwife was there. My sister happened to arrive at the same time – just to visit. Little did she know what was happening. She was a tremendous help, she and my husband running around for the midwife and doula, preparing the birth pool, etc.

I was helped from the bed to the lounge into the birth pool, which was still being filled with water. I was holding onto the side of the pool and on my haunches. It was absolutely wonderful in the water. The midwife was telling me what to do – breathe, blow. She was talking to me all the time.

I could feel pressure from the head again. I had to hold my breath and push with each contraction. I felt the head crowning with my fingers. It was so soft – wow! Suddenly the head came through! I was very sore but could handle the pain.

The rest of her body just popped out so easily. It was an awesome feeling. I, unfortunately, had my eyes closed throughout the birth, but Shaun witnessed the whole event – his first ever. My sister took photos of the wonderful experience.

I held Kayla Tia in the pool for a while, just relaxing. Shaun kissed and congratulated me and told me how proud he was of me. Kayla was the most precious, cute little angel we have ever seen. I couldn't believe that it was all over.

We waited for the cord to stop pulsating and then Shaun cut the cord. The midwife took Kayla away to clean her up and do necessary checks on her, etc.

I was helped back to the bed so as to deliver the placenta. I lay down, and with one contraction it just slipped out so easily. It was put into a container.

The midwife checked up on me and had to give me three internal stitches. I put Kayla to the breast – she sucked very well. I had a local anesthetic – a bit sore and uncomfortable procedure.

I had a wonderful candlelit bath – Kayla was in and out very quickly. My sister gave me a wonderful backwash. I relaxed a bit and then got out. I went back to bed to relax with my darling daughter. Champagne was opened and a toast made to Kayla Tia, and we all sang happy birthday to her.

I enjoyed every minute of the birth and am so thankful that my birth plan came true. I would recommend a home water birth to everyone.

Kayla is now 5 weeks old and such a joy. She sleeps very well, eats well – no problems! Her dad is overjoyed and such a big help. He changes nappies – even poo ones – burps her, plays and sings to her.