Are you happy?

Jo Ryman, mother

You forget the pain of the previous time and remember the elation: the joy of the bundle, the nurturing that comes afterwards. I know it's going to hurt. I know it's going to be difficult, but it's not pain for the sake of pain.

My due date was two days ago, but I'm not stressed. My body is releasing hormones to make me happy. I've decided on another home water birth and the pool is set up in the living room right now, just the way I want.

I don't need candles. I don't like to be talked to or touched. I like to be left alone. The midwife is nearby and my husband is in his role as the gas and air man. When I need some, I ask, politely, for it. It's not a huge pain relief, just a distraction. I am very polite in labour. 'Can you not do that?' I said to the midwife when she started rubbing my back.

Some people like their husbands in the pool. This is my space. It's for me only. I need the water. With water comes a feeling of buoyancy. You can move around so the baby is comfortable, you're comfortable, and the warmth helps with the pain.

I'm a heart-on-my-sleeve person. I like to plan. And now I have good things to look forward to.

Being pregnant makes me happy. I can't say I like the way I look at the time, but I like the security, the feeling of family around me. I check at night that the pool's the right temperature, the number for the midwife is handy and a nappy is laid out. It's all set.