The journey home from M & S was interesting – it was at this point I realised I probably was in early labour as suddenly I was having to breathe through the tightenings . We got home at 5pm , and by 5.30pm , my partner Scott had called the midwives without me knowing – and it ' s a good job he did ! My midwife arrived at 5.45pm , and I suddenly felt like I was losing control . I had an examination just after 6pm and I was 9cm dilated ; we moved downstairs shortly after . It had been transformed into such a beautiful relaxing space , with the pool in the middle of the room and tealights and candles dotted around . We had my music playlist playing , which Scott had put together in pregnancy . One of my strongest memories was being in the pool just before Flora was born and Ben Howard ' s song ' Keep Your Head Up ' playing – I sang the lyrics to myself " keep your head up , keep your heart strong ", and it really helped me to refocus and find the last bit of determination .
I got into the pool at 6.50pm , and it was the most instant amazing relief . The pressure was overwhelming at this point , and my waters broke shortly after this at around 7pm – I felt a small amount of relief for about 10 seconds before realising that this release meant her head moved down very quickly , and then the pressure was indescribable . I can ' t explain the urge to push – it was just there , and my body knew what to do . Flora ' s head and body were born in quick succession , and she entered the world at 7.21pm . I caught her myself and lifted her out of the water and onto my chest . At this moment , I felt so proud and in awe of my body – I couldn ' t believe that I had done it ! I was shocked by Flora ' s amazing head of hair as we thought she would be blonde or bald !
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