Our original due date was Wednesday 19 April 2006; however during our weekly midwives appointment (on the Monday) there was no indication that Bubbalu was coming anytime soon. Wednesday passed with no news and when I went to bed at midnight, on Wednesday night, I had no indication of what was about the happen…

I woke up at 2am on Thursday 20 April 2006 in mild pain/discomfort. We called the midwives just to give them a heads-up (assuming that this was the start of pre-labour and that we had many, many hours ahead of us), they advised that it was a "take 2 Panadol and call us in the morning" scenario. The "bloody show" was upon us 15 minutes later, and the pain/discomfort had jumped dramatically. A second call to the midwives now advised us to "keep track of it over the next hour and let us know". By 3am I was in a 2minute to 2minute 30second contraction cycle and unable to speak, at which point another call to the midwives resulted in the "come in to the Birthing Centre now" call. We arrived at the Birth Centre at 4am, and the midwife confirmed that I was already 10cm dilated (baby popping dilation)!!!!

At 5:20am Bubbalu was born in one push (not the usual head, then body "two contraction" push) and was still in the “waters”/embryonic sack; a completely natural birth - no pain killers, not even Nitrous-oxide gas.

So, in total from first pains to birth: 3hrs 20mins.

Now, I know that some of you may be thinking that because the labour/birth was short it was therefore “easy”, this could not be further from the truth. It was by far one of the most physically and emotionally challenging things I have ever done.

We had done a lot of preparation for this birth, but like so many things in life it’s not until you’re actually faced with the situation that you truly know how you will react. It is very difficult to explain the feelings I experienced throughout the labour/birth but I do know that because I had total trust and confidence in Ian and his ability to comfort and guide me every step of the journey I was able to completely let go, turn inward and give into my body – I could have not asked for a better birthing partner, let alone husband.

I am extremely proud of myself and of Ian, and more than ever in awe of the human body!

Kym Latter - Life Is No Story Book