I had shooting pains at the shops – then gave birth in my kitchen

This certainly wasn’t the plan; but it was an indescribably joyful moment (Picture: Katie Newsome)

Gripping onto my kitchen sink with both hands to cope with my increasingly frequent contractions, I realised my baby was about to make a sudden, unexpected arrival; and I felt surprisingly calm.

A short time later – just two and a half hours after the first twinges of labour – I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Cataleya on my kitchen floor; without pain relief or medical assistance.

This certainly wasn’t the plan; but it was an indescribably joyful moment.

My partner Will...