So the wife started having contractions this week, then they got really intense last night, painful, and occurring every 5 minutes.

Called the labour ward and 2 midwives arrived about half an hour later.

After an examination, it was determined that the wife (calling her that as she probably won’t want to be named) was 2cm dilated. This was at 3am, and they thought baby would be here around 10 or 11am.

However, everything has slowed down – contractions are currently once every 20 mins.

Some advice on home birthing with a pool – have a trial run. I still have no idea how to use the water pump and the lounge had to be rearranged last thing to fit the pool in.

Check your paternity leave.  I didn’t even think about it until just now. You need to give 15 weeks notice.  If you haven’t been at your current company long, you may not be entitled to any.