Tell us about your family…

Hello. We are Leanne and Cam. We’re both pastry chefs and we have a 4-month old daughter called Hannah. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Blackheath.

 

How was your pregnancy?

We were really excited about meeting potential new parent friends on the course and learning more about birth and looking after our baby.

 

Where did you have your baby?

Lewisham hospital. It was a really nice setting with a view over the park.

 

How was your birth?

I had an induction of labour, starting with a pessary and after about 12 hours I got to the stage where my waters broke. My daughter was born exactly 8hrs later. I used gas and air to keep comfortable and just focused on the breathing. I remember our HPHB teacher telling us the affirmation ‘I can do anything for one minute’- and I kept focusing on that during the contractions. She also said listen to your midwife especially at the end. So I did that also!

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Gas and air and just focusing on myself and baby. It was too late for me to have an epidural so I just went with it!

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

In shock, but relief also!

 

How were the early days with your baby?

Our baby was in NICU for the first 3 or 4 days. I recovered well after birth with just 2 small tears. It was the best feeling meeting that little person I’d been carrying for 9 months.

 

What has been your top triumph?

Bonding with my daughter and seeing my partner become a dad. And also seeing my daughter’s personality come out more and more.

 

What has been your top challenge?

Just guessing everything. When she was born it was the heat wave. So trying to keep her cool as a new born was a challenge! We went and bought an air con unit!

 

What has been your proudest moment?

Giving birth to a human being.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

That it didn’t hurt as much as people say!

 

Any regrets?

I wish I had taken more pictures whilst pregnant and at the birth.

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

I still see the other mums. We meet up at least once a week and sometimes more. Its nice having new friends in the same boat!

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Peri bottle!

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

I had diabetes in pregnancy so all the carbs! Aswell as champagne and sushi! Also a hot bath!

 

Most useful baby item…

Muslins! And a Moses basket.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Rapid cool.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Go with your gut and soak up every moment!

 

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