I had Maria as my midwife and I actually didn't get accepted until i was 20 weeks - I'm so glad I did!

It was the morning of September 13 when I had a show. I didnt get excited as I knew that it could still be days away yet.

I let Maria know that it had happened and she said to keep her informed as the day progressed.

At around 6pm that night I started getting some niggling pain and thought nothing of it really. Then, at about 9pm, they started coming on stronger so I rang Maria but it was her night off (she went to the Bledisloe cup). Unfortunately I couldn't have her but i was blessed enough to have Sharon (who was fantastic).

At around 9:30pm we made our way to the hospital, were greeted by Sharon and we settled into our room.

The most comfortable position was over the bean bag on all fours and I stayed there most of the time with my mp3 player on, just chilling and breathing through the contractions.

I was in and out of the shower and it was wonderful too.

At 12:30 Sharon did an internal and i was only 4cm so only just starting active labour. I thought 'Oh great, a long way to go yet'! Sharon asked if I wanted my water broken and I said 'No, not yet'. I then got off the bed and sat on the birth ball. It was agony, I couldnt handle that at all!

Sharon then made me lift my left leg higher during contractions and circle my hips when not contracting (thank u wii fit hoola hooping!).

At 2:30am Sharon sat me on the bed and broke my water. I lasted one contraction on the bed and went into the transition phase (You know, where you're out of it, lol!)

I then hopped back in the shower and only just got in there when I started pushing.

Sharon nearly had a heart attack i think (lol!) and asked me to hop out. I said no way so she went and got a mat for me to kneel on and i gave birth there after 2 pushes and no tears.

Nevada was eventually born quite quickly with the cord wrapped around her and I was quite a sight to see me waddle back to the bed with the shortest cord ever and a baby.

The placenta came out straight away and Nevada needed oxygen because of the quick delivery and was blue for about a week after.

After the birth I got up, showered and came back out... and there was my husband passed out on the bed with Nevada - I had to rest on the couch!

All in all it was a fantastic birth. I have a fantastic child to go with her fantastic brother and if I have another I would love to go there again.

I would like to say a MASSIVE shout out to the two midwives that cared for me so greatly:

Sharon for the birth and MARIA who gave the best care ever afterwards.

I still keep in contact with Maria and every time we are at the hospital (I have issues with Nevadas weigh gain) Maria always makes time to come and see us so I am lucky I still have that amazing contact with her.

Nevada Newman 14/09/08

weight 7pd 10oz

length 49cm

birth length all up 5.5hrs Active birth 2.5hrs