Beyoncé Knowles envisioned her daughter 'pushing through a very heavy door' when she was giving birth.

The singing superstar welcomed her first child Blue Ivy into the world in January last year. While some women may feel overwhelmed by the labour process, Beyoncé has revealed she embraced the experience in an interview for the March issue of Vogue.

'I felt very maternal around eight months, and I thought I couldn't become any more until I saw the baby,' she explained. 'But it happened during my labour because I had a very strong connection with my child. I felt like when I was having contractions, I envisioned my child pushing through a very heavy door. And I imagined this tiny infant doing all the work, so I couldn't think about my own pain. We were talking. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt a communication.'

Beyoncé looks stunning in monochrome for the cover shot to accompany the interview. She exudes retro glamour, wearing her hair in an elegant updo and keeping her make-up simple with a slick of nude lipstick and lashings of black eyeliner.

The 31-year-old star also explained that any fears she had about giving birth disappeared as soon as she began having contractions. Beyoncé, who is married to music mogul Jay-Z, found it comforting to be surrounded by her loved ones during the labour.

'My family and my closest people were there when I gave birth. Everything that scared me just was not present in that room,' she recalled. 'So for me to really let go and really appreciate every contraction. It was the best day of my life.'

Beyoncé revealed she 'definitely' wants to have more children, but doesn't know when that will happen.

She expressed her hopes that Blue will have a normal upbringing and be able to go to slumber parties and 'experience life' like any other child.

Motherhood has made Beyoncé feel more confident and given her a different perspective on life. She has a newfound appreciation for her body and even discussed the possibility of retiring from the music industry.

'Right now, after giving birth, I really understand the power of my body. I just feel my body means something completely different. I feel a lot more confident about it. Even being heavier, thinner, whatever. I feel a lot more like a woman. More feminine, more sensual. And no shame,' she added. ''I don't feel like I have to please anyone. I feel free. I feel like I'm an adult. I'm grown. I can do what I want. I can say what I want. I can retire if I want. That's why I've worked hard.'