The 35-year-old actress, who became a mum for the first time in March last year, admitted that childbirth didn't quite pan out as expected.
Having been two weeks overdue, the star, who won Best Actress at the 2009 British Soap Awards, anticipated a difficult labour and was willing to do anything it took to ensure a healthy delivery.
Recalling the day she welcomed baby Orla into the life she shares with husband, Ryan Clarke, the actress said: "My friends say they can’t believe I didn’t have any drugs. But I’m no martyr. I was like, ‘Get the drugs lined up, I’ll do whatever it takes to get this baby out healthy."
However, according to the Mr Selfridge star, none of that was needed, laughing: "But It was all over before I even had time to ask for gas and air!”
Having taken a year off filming in order to embrace the change in family dynamic, the mum-of-one reveals she felt 'clueless' in the aftermath of her daughter's delivery.
Like many mums, the lovely Katherine, who played Becky McDonald for six years on Britain's longest-running soap, explains she sought the help of family members, saying: "I was so grateful [for their help] because no matter how many books you read about having a baby, nothing prepares you for when it actually happens.”
We agree, but we think she's doing an amazing job!
