I'd had two weeks of pre labor and was 9 days over due. Sunday 15th, at midnight, my contractions started with a slight niggling sensation from my back to my pelvis. By 3am, I was having to concentrate on my breathing. Mike rubbed my back with clary sage, (nice) and rubbed the acupressure point on my little toe. This helped the contractions to be less aggressive. I was still chatting to my friend in the chat room until about 6, unable to write any more. I'd been laid comfortably on my side but needed to move. Mike suggested a bath.

Contractions got stronger around 6am and I was feeling very exhausted, resting between contractions which wouldn't let me sleep. At 8am the pain was so strong, with not much space between contractions, I was sure I couldn't cope.

I suggested we go downstairs to ring the midwife, got to the landing, another contraction, my legs gave way, was on all fours and panting, pooped a little (good sign ladies). I was very sick when my body started pushing, one end being sick, one end pushing. What a state I was in. Then I felt his head crown. I waited to feel 'ring of fire', didn't, but felt relieved, told Mike, "His head is out," I asked "Is he a good color, is he pink?" He reassured me, then he told me baby had his own hand stuck, pushed against his little face. 'Ah this is why it was so painful', I thought to myself.

Then I was a little worried as I didn't know how to bring his body out. I felt down for his head. It felt huge, but amazingly I was suddenly excited. I squatted and on my way up out of the squat he was born. Luckily Mike had laid a cushion, he came out with my waters and was very quick. He gave out a nice healthy cry.

It took a while to deliver the placenta so I accepted the injection which made me very sick; I wouldn't recommend it.

Jayke B Zephiniah was born at 8:45am, 16th Feb. 2004 Weight: 7lb 13 oz.