'Baby Tess was born in about two contractions I think, and she was passed to me from the water already smiling.'

Trish and baby Tess

 I consider myself very lucky to have birthed baby Tess here at home with Rosa's support. Having woken in the morning in labour, and enjoyed a fairly gradual start, walking in the woodland, and round and round the garden I got into the pool for the last 2 hours. The pool was a lovely warm comforting place to be and my body had freedom of movement which was great. I used my breathing and vocalized freely which certainly took the edge off the pain!

I wanted to feel like all the women present were a part of the process, and was not left by Rosa at any time. The midwives were asked to abandon the note writing and be poolside with me. I found this hugely supportive and it made my birthing a real "Red tent" experience. Which was exactly what I wanted! My partner was away at sea, which was a shame, but meant it was a very earthy woman’s birth. The transition was pretty grotty, no surprises there, but it was also very quick and after a few questions from me to Rosa as to whether I could do this....and of course she assured me I could, I continued with the gas and air, which I found very helpful, and started talking to baby, asking baby to be careful and not to hurt Mummy.

Baby Tess was born in about two contractions I think, and she was passed to me from the water already smiling. Tess has not stopped smiling since and is a glorious girl.