Thread by @joswinson

One year ago today, it was similarly very hot. ☀️🌡

Ten days overdue, sick of consuming curry 🌶 & pineapple juice 🍍🍍🍍, I had reflexology to try to kickstart the labour process. 👣 (1/10)

I had run out of ridiculous things to clean in the house (doorstep, fridge, wall beside the dishwasher 🙄) and was ready to meet my baby. (2/10)

At worst, I figured, the reflexology would be a nice foot massage. It was lovely. Carrying all that extra weight takes its toll on your toes. (3/10)

The birthing pool had been sitting in our dining room, inflated, for the best part of a month. Finally, that night, I was finally woken by that odd crunching contraction feeling. (4/10)

When it happened again 5 minutes later, I woke Duncan and we went downstairs, put the kettle on to make a cuppa, and see what would unfold. (5/10)

Calls to my mum, my sister and the midwife. Duncan filling the pool.

Dancing to my birth playlist in the front room to distract myself from the contractions.

Rocking the TENS machine. (6/10)

Throwing up in the downstairs loo.

Passing out mid-contraction.

Hoping the midwife would arrive soon. (7/10)

The birthing pool had been sitting in our dining room, inflated, for the best part of a month. Finally, that night, I was finally woken by that odd crunching contraction feeling. (4/10)

Feeling the urge to push. Not bloody waiting for the midwife.

On all fours, roaring.

Duncan squeezing a cold flannel on my neck: bliss.

Midwives arriving, fetal heartbeat good. (8/10)

Blood. Water. Mess. Don't give a damn. Pushing. Pushing. Must keep pushing.

Then a cry to melt hearts.

One more push. Done.

Relief. Love. Love.
Love forever. (9/10)

The raw, beautiful, fierce power of birth is awe-inspiring. Our bodies are amazing. (10/10)