Nineteen-year-old, Rachel Evans, from Quedgley, gave birth to her first baby Amy at 2.15am on Tuesday March 23, making her a spring baby. Rachel said, "I was in the cinema watching Starsky and Hutch, went home and about 30 minutes later I started having contractions so I went to the hospital.  From about 11pm the contractions really started and I had her by 2.15am so it was quite quick. | | Rachel Evans |
"It was about 11pm by the time I arrived and I was already five centimetres dilated, so they started me on gas and air. They also suggested I have a water birth so they filled the pool up and I went in there. "From about 11pm the contractions really started and I had her by 2.15am so it was quite quick." Trepidation As it was her first baby Rachel admitted she was quite frightened when her labour began. "I was petrified. She was due on March 21st and as it was the 23rd I thought she's not going to come for a while as I'd had no twinges or anything. I thought I'd be fine to go to the cinema. But when it started it was a bit scary." Water babies Unlike most conventional births, Rachel had a water birth and was extremely happy with her chosen method. | I felt an instant bond with Amy. When she came out she was in the water and just floated up to the top and I held her and Scott cut the cord which was totally amazing. It was just total elation. | | Rachel Evans |
"The nursing staff suggested I have a water birth so they filled the pool up and I got in. From about 11pm the contractions really started and I had her by 2.15am so it was quite quick.
"Water births are like hydro therapy and you can take gas and air when you're in there." Motherhood Rachel is still recovering from the labour but is slowly getting used to motherhood and the accompanying emotions. "I keep looking at her wondering if she's all right. I feel excited now she's been born because I've been waiting for her to arrive. "I felt an instant bond with Amy. When she came out she was in the water and just floated up to the top and I held her and Scott cut the cord which was totally amazing. It was just total elation." Talking about how she feels about having a spring baby Rachel explained, "I didn't plan for a spring baby but I'm really happy now. "If she'd have been born in the winter it could be quite depressing but it will be nice going out and about with her in the spring." Article by Nat Hall Read some of the features you may have missed in ourarchive section or get in touch at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk | 
Spring is all about new beginnings and what can be better than the arrival of a new baby? First time mother Rachel Evans told BBC Gloucestershire about her new arrival.
