We are Juanig and Adriana. Adriana works for a start-up focused on sustainability and raw materials and Juanig for a construction company. We are parents to our little Alejandra. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Ealing.
My pregnancy went really well overall. The course helped me understand the process better and gave me a sense of confidence and calm. Having clear information made me feel more prepared and in control, which really helped me approach birth with a positive mindset.
I had my baby at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, in the midwife-led birth centre, and she was born in the water. I absolutely loved the setting — it felt calm, private, and so different from the hospital environment I had imagined. What really surprised me was that there wasn’t a hospital bed at all — just a big, cozy mattress on the floor and the birthing pool. It made everything feel much more natural and comfortable, almost like being at home.
My birth was such a special and empowering experience. My waters broke at midnight — like something out of a movie — and the water just kept coming! When we got to the birth centre, it really did feel like a film scene: I was in a wheelchair, being rushed in, only to find out I was already 8 cm dilated. From there everything happened so fast but in such a calm, positive way. I laboured in the water, using my breathing to stay focused, and felt completely supported by my husband and the midwife — just the three of us in that peaceful space. What surprised me most was how calm and serene my daughter was when she was born, and how natural everything felt. Delivering the placenta was a bit tricky, but I managed it without any medication, just patience and trust. The confidence I gained from HPHB made all the difference — it helped me stay grounded during the early stage at home, informed, and truly enjoy the experience.
TENS machine – 1/5: I didn’t like it at all, even though I had tried it during pregnancy. It didn’t really make me feel more comfortable or relaxed.
Warm shower at home – 4/5: Since we don’t have a tub, I used the shower, and the warm water really helped me cope with the contractions before going to the birth centre.
Breathing techniques – 5/5: This was what truly worked for me. Focusing on breathing in and out properly kept me calm, centred, and in control throughout labour.
Gas and air – 5/5: Once at the hospital, the laughing gas helped me stay relaxed and focused. It made the whole experience much more manageable and even a bit lighter.
I felt speechless and couldn’t believe she had been inside of my belly for 9 months!
The first days with my baby were a mix of emotions — beautiful, intense, and full of learning. I felt amazed just watching her and slowly getting to know her. The tips from the HPHB course, especially about swaddling, were so helpful. They made those first nights much easier, helping her feel calm and secure so we could both rest a bit more. Having that practical knowledge gave me confidence and made me feel more prepared as a new mum.
Getting her into a good sleep routine from week 2! Even without a circadian rhythm at first, she now sleeps 10-hour stretches most nights — and she’s exclusively breastfed!!
Bathing her — quite ironic since she was born in the water! It took us a while to feel confident and make it a calm moment for all of us (yes, it is a 2 man job still!)
My proudest moment has been continuing to breastfeed despite an incredibly challenging first six weeks — facing mastitis on month 4 and a couple of painful milk blebs. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I kept going, and now I feel so proud and grateful that our journey was worth the fight. It taught me how strong and determined I can be as a mother.
I wasn’t expecting how difficult it would be to burp a baby — such a small thing that can take so much patience and positions!
By sharing experiences, great tips, and even the best Amazon finds — it’s been so helpful to feel supported and connected. Still now!
Big muslin for swaddling.
Jamón serrano (I’m Spanish) 🙂
Wood rattle – the sound soothes our little one like magic!
Crossover bodysuits for the first two months — so much easier than the ones you have to pull all over down their little body!
Inform yourself. Information is power and gives you confidence!
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