During my first pregnancy in 2007 I prepared to have a ‘natural’, pain medication free birth. I thought that having a ‘natural’ birth would be what was best for my baby and myself.

So when my waters broke at 38 weeks and 4 days we went into the hospital armed with our birth plan that stated all our wishes for a pain medication free labour.

As I wasn’t experiencing any contractions as yet and was only 1cm dilated, we returned home and waited. … More Why self care in labour is the right thing to do