Introducing baby Ruben who was born on 31 July 2004! He was 3 days overdue but when he decided the time was right, he wasn't hanging around! We stayed at home as long as we could and on admission to hospital I was 9.5cm dilated, wow! I ended up having the most incredible waterbirth with a bit of gas and air and it truly was my dream birth. The midwives were amazing, they read our birth plan and did everything we asked for. I just couldn't believe it! Weighing in at a collosal 9 pounds 2 ounces, so far he is feeding well. Unfortunately i did end up with a bad 2nd degree tear which was very traumatic having it sorted out afterwards, but i think he was worth it! All I can say was, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be... and no, I didn't get to eat any of the snacks I had carefully chosen to eat during labour, or use any of the special massage oils! Maybe next time.....!