I've walked out of birth feeling like a total rockstar. I am beyond proud of how in control I was

We just wanted to thank you again for everything you've taught us across our last two pregnancies. 

 Our third little bub "River" made his arrival into the world @ 2:07am weighing in at 3.58kg. Went into spontaneous labour again at 38weeks! 

After a day of stop start inconsistent surges that I was sure couldn't be true labour, Alistair convinced me to call my midwife and go into the birth centre at 11.30pm because he was concerned the surges were intensifying regardless of their rhythm.  We arrived at midnight and my midwife offered me a cervical check because things were so random. I consented and she offered to sweep my membranes because she wasn't convinced I was in established labour. I said let's just see and then while she was checking me she laughed and asked if I realised I was already at 5cm and completely thinned out. I then laboured in the shower and on the bed using relaxation music, surge breathing, acupressure and a comb to clutch. There was still no real pattern to labour and my midwife and I guessed bub might be spinning himself posterior. However it became very apparent to everyone else I was progressing fast and I was ushered into the bath just before 2am. Transition and the urge to push happened in the bath and I started bearing down but also lost my focus and determination. Alistair and my midwife pulled me back on track everyone kept saying bub was very close to making his entrance. I was not convinced because my waters had yet to break but to everyone's delight bub crowned in his amniotic sac and I had the amazing experience of being able to reach down and feel my in tact membranes and his head before I pushed him out on the next surge and they ruptured as I pulled him out of the water. 

I had been battling low platelet levels my entire third trimester and had to agree to an active third stage to stay in birth centre but my midwife and I had a little agreement to work around it. She said as long as I stayed in the bath she couldn't give me the shot so I took my time and had a physiological third stage birthing the placenta in the bath before climbing out for golden hour snuggles. 

Again I've walked out of birth feeling like a total rockstar. I am beyond proud of how in control I was right up until transition where I really had to dig deep for each pushing surge.  

We're home now enjoying our little newborn bubble and family of 5