Grace arrived on Thurs 7th at 9.47 am and weighed 7lb 12oz 11 days overdue.
Started having contractions on Weds which were very mild. Went shopping, to lunch, round an art gallery with a friend who didn't notice. They started to get stronger around dinner time when I decided to pack my bag. At about 10pm I put on my TENS machine and dp had a little sleep. Woke him up at midnight and finally about 3.30am decided to go to hosipital. They nearly didn't let me have a waterbirth because my bp was a little high, but as it has been high all pregnancy and there was nothing else wrong I was allowed into the pool at about 5.30. I remember at about 7am getting really tired, fed up and in pain and asked for an epidural, But thanks to a lovely midwife and dp, I had a rest on the bed for 15 mins and then I got back into the pool. Started to push at about 9.30 and after several little poos (YUCK - which were fished ou with a net) Grace arrived at 9.47 with all her membranes around her as my waters didn't break. Then had a physiological 3rd stage - which I am sure hurt more than giving birth. No stiches or anything.
Grace is lovely, although is a little dry and jandiced and sleepy!