Well dd3 (no name as yet) arrived 9 days early yesterday. We went to Wales for the weekend and I thought my waters had broken at 6am on the sunday. Went to nearest hospital and they hadn't!? Could have been a leak from hindwaters or some kind of 'show' apparently...anyway, set off for home (Brighton) straight after that, started getting tightenings/mild contractions in the car at 3.00pm. Arrived home 4pm, unpacked car, had supper then started contracting in earnest at about 6.30 pm. Put kids to bed and went to hospital at 8.00pm - 5cms. Got in pool as soon as it they could run it (8.20) and the pain relief was amazing. Waters popped, felt need to push and baby came out! at 8.38pm. Beautiful, gentle birth. Came home as soon as midwife had typed up notes. Can't believe it was so easy! No stitches either. Can't recommend water enough!