At 8pm on the 27th January Evie lets you know she really is coming today and your waters break. Contractions start coming every 8 minutes or so and feel quite strong. By 10pm they have worn off and you are worried that labour has stopped completely. You get some sleep and wake to very strong contractions at midnight. So strong George calls me and the midwife straight away.

By the time I arrive at 12.40am you are already starting to push. You and George are managing fantastically on your own. You are up in the attic bedroom. George is sitting on the bed and you are lent over on to him, standing. Your Mum hovers around Martha's door should she wake.

We start pumping some cold water in the pool to get it to the right depth and temperature. You continue to be very focused and let the contractions happen. You get louder as Evie descends and Martha stirs but gets back to sleep again. The midwife arrives at 1.10am and hurriedly gets out her equipment. You get down onto your knees, still leaning over George. The pool is ready but it' s clear that Evie is very nearly here and you stay where you are. Martha is awake but has gone downstairs for a snack with her grandma.

At 1.32am Evie's head is born. There is a pause and the midwife looks slightly concerned. She assists with the birth of Evie's body. (She later says that there was some meconium and the cord was around Evie's neck. She was worried that Evie was in distress.) Evie lets out a hearty cry and looks very healthy so no-one is worried for very long! You sit on the floor and hold her to your chest. George is right next to you. Evie is lovely, a good size, black hair and a perfect little face. You both look so so happy and proud, if slightly shocked at the speed of Evie's arrival!

Once the placenta is born and you are settled in bed, Martha and your Mum come to meet the new addition. Evie is very interested in feeding and latches on beautifully. The midwife is concerned that you are very pale and feeling weak and advises you to go into hospital to get checked over. After much discussion you decide to stay at home and let the midwife check on you in the morning. You get settled in your own bed with Evie right beside you and attempt some sleep before Martha wakes.