We are Louise and James. Lousie is a Detective and James works in Finance. We are parents to baby Isaac and took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Farnham.
My pregnancy was fairly typical symptoms wise but due to a previous blood clot I had to take daily blood thinner injections. As someone who doesn’t like needles this was the biggest challenge for me. I hadn’t really put much thought into giving birth and the final weeks of being pregnant which HPHB helped me to think about and prioritise.
In a hospital on the labour ward.
Overall I had a positive birth experience. I was induced at 39 weeks due to concerns the baby had dropped off his growth centile. The doctors discussed everything with me and I didn’t feel pressured into being induced. I was apprehensive but ultimately went ahead. Due to being a consultant-led pregnancy I had to remain in hospital, I did a LOT of walking around the hospital and the nearby cricket green. It took about 48 hours to be dilated enough for my waters to be broken manually, so that was challenging.
Once my waters were broken everything started to progress quite quickly. I was put on a syntocin drip and baby monitor. I spent most of the initial time on my birthing ball. My partner massaged my lower bag when I had contractions and kept me hydrated and cool. As things progressed I tried a birthing comb before moving onto gas and air. I ended up standing and ultimately this is how I gave birth just over 9 hours later to an 8lb 8oz baby who was spot on his growth percentile.
My midwife team were amazing and I felt listened to. HPHB helped me be confident in advocating for myself and listening to my body. I had discussed different things with my partner and felt confident that he knew what I did and didn’t want. I had hoped to be able to try using a birthing pool for parts of the process but due to being monitored and the drip this wasn’t possible. I was surprised at how helpful the breathing techniques and positive mindset actually were. And also how quickly everything seemed to go. Overall I had a very positive birth experience and think the things I learnt at HPHB definitely contributed to that.
Breathing techniques – in the initial stages these were the best 5/5. It allowed me to ride through each contraction and stay focused.
Position – standing up – 100/5! I tried a few upfront positions before settling on standing. I liked being able to move, swaying from side to side, and leaning on the raised bed during contractions. It helped me get into a rhythm for each contraction.
Gas and air – 4/5 – I’m not certain that it did anything pain management wise , but it did keep my breathing regulated and kept me calm and relaxed between contractions.
Birth comb – 3/5 – I hadn’t intended to use one but the midwife offered it so I gave it a go. Up to the point where I switched to gas and air it helped with a routine and something to focus on rather than taking my mind off of any pain.
Vocals – 5/5 – when I felt the need to make any noises I made sure to go low and guttural from my belly. It became like a mantra that kept me feeling in control.
I was in shock. I was expecting to have the rush of love and emotion, but I was just in shock. It wasn’t until he was wrapped up and on my chest that I got past the shock.
It was a lot but I didn’t ever feel overwhelmed. I am a fairly laid back person and I think this helped with not worrying about whether the baby was feeding or sleeping enough. We were living with my parents for the first 2 weeks and this probably pushed me to get up and about quicker than I would have otherwise, but looking back I think it was good for both me and my partner that I got up and out within the first week.
Proving to myself that I could do it. I hadn’t necessarily doubted that I could but having never done it before you just don’t know how you will deal with it. There was also a part of me that wanted to prove to my mum that I wouldn’t need an epidural LOL.
The lack of sleep. You adapt it quite quickly but those first couple weeks it is hard.
Being able to exclusively breastfeed.
How quickly babies grow and change.
We have stayed in touch and met up several times. It is good to have people you can talk to who are going through the exact same thing. Knowing you aren’t the only one experiencing something can really help.
Handheld fan!! The hospital had a large fan but I found it was too cold over my whole body, so my partner used our handheld one on different parts of me instead which was wonderful.
Malteasers!!
A next to bed cot – if you have the space for one it makes night times so much easier.
Baby carrier – we have both a softform carrier (baby bjorn harmony) and wraps (boba wrap and ezmi breeze). Baby wearing has been a lifesaver for both me and my partner.
Trust in yourself and what works for you. Don’t compare yourself to other parents and what they are doing, or what their babies are doing.
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