[lettie]

Hi Jo, hope you are well.

Firstly, if your waters go whilst in the bath, you will continue to leak water when you get out, and every time you have a contraction until your baby is born. Sometimes it is only a trickle of water now and then, but it is usually enough to make you suspect they've gone.

Many women here also give birth without pain relief, through choice, or because they deliver accidentally at home (been called out to a couple recently, there's something in the water in Hyndburn) We also use water and have a pool at Queens Park. Water is a very soothing pain reliever, as are different positions. If you have backache adopt a position to keep your weight off your back, crawling on your hands and knees usually does the trick. Keep mobile and upright, this is very important as gravity will help you. Do Not lie on your back, especially when pushing, as you are then pushing the baby uphill so to speak. Make sure you have good support from husband or if he's no good in situations like this, a friend. Massage is comforting in labour, hot water bottle can sometimes help, music in the background and basically anything you would normally use to take your mind off something. No specific breathing is required, just long deep breaths in and blow the breath out slowly. If you hold your breath, or hyperventilate, this makes the pain worse.

Remember that millions of women around the world do this every day without pain relief or medical help, as they may be 200 miles from the nearest clinic in third world countries. Even though this is very painful, the pain will all go away once you have pushed that baby out, and as soon as you clap eyes on your baby you will forget all about it, and think it was totally worth it.

If there's anything else you need to ask, feel free. Some of my nicest deliveries, have been at home, with no pain relief, good mobility and excellent support from the families.