This day 7 years ago, my 2nd GentleBirth baby was born. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had a late appointment with the midwives clinic in Holles St and had a feeling I was going to be having a baby that night. I must have been convincing because the midwife said, go up and get checked, mum is usually right. My first labour was only 6 hours long and we lived an hour from the hospital at the time, so she said she'd like me to get checked rather than go home as chances are it'd be quicker this time. I went up, they checked me and said my cervix was ‘high and unfavorable’ and that I'd most likely be back in for an appointment the following week.

Off I went home to put my 20 month old to bed and to get myself organized for hospital as I just KNEW something was going on. I had a bath in clary sage oil, felt uncomfortable so got out and had a shower and put my PJs on. I told himself to make sure to have his bag packed and to go to the shop for sweets as he was caught short last time. I was blowdrying my hair when suddenly my waters went and I was like, well I guess I should go in now. I went downstairs to tell my parents what was going on and they waved me off and I was putting one leg into the car to sit down when suddenly a MASSIVE burst of waters came out and I could feel the urge to push. GAAAAH! There were noises coming from me that I never knew I could make and I went back inside and went on all fours. Hubby had called an ambulance.

I was so quiet then, just willing the baby not to come as I chased everyone out of the room and cursed myself for not cleaning the floor, thinking he was going to be born onto crumbs and fluff. I remember clearly watching the weather forecast after the 9 o'clock news. The ambulance came within minutes and they looked briefly down my pjs and said “nah you're grand but come on in, we'll bring you.”

They made me lie down on the stretcher inside the ambulance and I just breathed and breathed. I could see my belly going nuts but wasn't really in pain - my TENS machine was on by this point.

We made it to O'Connell bridge and they stopped and told me they could see the head crowning so I could push and I said no, sure the hospital is just over there, let's just go. Off we went again and they were waiting for me there, key to the lift in hand and I was brought up to delivery room. They lifted me from the stretcher to the bed and the midwife said, ok, let's see how far along you are and she looked and laughed and said ok, you can push. So I finally felt OK to push and in one push he slid out, 8lbs exactly. My boy. He was born at 5 minutes to 10 - I'd been on the floor watching the weather forecast at 9.30! My gorgeous George.

I panicked when I felt the urge to push in the driveway just after my waters broke the second time, but after that I totally went into a zone where I was absolutely working with him to stay safe and calm.

We were the perfect team and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life, along with my first and my third delivery. So thank you Tracy for giving me such an amazing gift, one I can cherish for as long as I live. GentleBirth has given me so much and I'm so envious of anyone who has yet to go through labour as my baby is now 5 and our family is complete. 

Aine Baker