I know before long they will be fighting over toys but I just wish I could freeze time and keep them like this forever. I look down at them in my bed and I feel so lucky to have been blessed with these great little people in my life. It doesn't even bother me that I carried and birthed them both, doing all the hard work and they both end up look exactly like their daddy! 

When both babies are sleeping I place Sofia back in her crib. This is where it's often difficult to get back to sleep before the next mini human alarm clock requires a feed, a cuddle or a nappy change. 

As I try to get back to sleep I pull on my breathing techniques I used during pregnancy and birth. The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 relax technique works so quickly as I'm so used to it. Before I know it I'm sleeping quickly enjoying my next instalment of sleep.

The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme really does teach tools for life.

The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique is my sleep solace. Any time I want to feel more calm, in my mind or my body, I use this. 
For road rage, for busy supermarkets, when I often burn the dinner, when the toddler decides to decorate the bathroom with toilet roll... this is what makes me stop and regroup and remain calm, relaxed and in control. 

I was always a worrier growing up. My dad used to say if I wasn't worrying about something, I'd be worried about why I wasn't worried. I can honestly say since I started my Born This Way, I'm not that person. I take things much more in my stride and have the tools and techniques to get me through these crazy, hectic, sleep deprived days. 

These days won't last forever, my babies are growing too fast and I want to cherish every second I have with them as they amaze me every day. So for me my tools are essential. As well as regular cups of tea, chocolate, good friends (who are in the same boat) to drag you through the frazzled days. And a big elbow for when the husbands snoring just gets a little bit too loud!

​She checked me and baby over and observed me for a while to see what my surges were doing then asked if I would like to be examined which I was happy for as I kept thinking I'm not sure this is it so didn't want to waste anyone's time. 
I was 2-3 cms and by now the surges were much more regular. She offered me acupuncture and the option of staying in the lounge to see if things became more regular. We went into the lounge and I had my music playing and moved between the cub and birthing ball and things picked up quickly.

I was so focussed on my breathing and Stuart was doing soothing strokes massage and I was completely calm and relaxed. Soon after I could begin to feel some pressure in my bottom and asked Margaret if the pool was available. 
This next bit felt like a dream. As a midwife when I worked in the hospital I always said I would love to birth in the pool and couldn't believe the pool that was running was for me.

I soon got into the pool and it felt amazing and soon things picked up. Stuart and Margaret were an amazing support. I just kept using my techniques and could feel the baby moving down.
I then hit the transition stage and told anyone that would listen that I couldn't do it and this is when Stuart and Margaret were even more amazing at keeping me focussed. I felt an intense pressure as my membranes ruptured.
I just kept focussing on the song that was playing 'a thousand years by Christina Perri' and the lyrics kept saying 'one step closer' and I knew I was. 
​