We are Calum and Jo. Parents of Rose. We live in East Sussex. Jo works as a paediatric dietitian and calum is a project manager. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Tunbridge Wells.
I was grateful to have a good pregnancy! I did suffer with some nausea early on and went off certain smells but once that passed I felt great physically and luckily was able to keep active throughout which I felt helped me feel strong in preparation for labour. Emotionally I felt nervous about labour especially when I was approaching my due date and being “over due” which is why I wanted to go into it feeling I had prepared as much as I could and HPHB helped with this.
In Pembury hospital. I was transferred from the birth centre into active labour and although far from the environment I had envisioned giving birth, everyone was very calm and I felt I was in safe hands.
I had a vaginal birth at Pembury hospital. We had planned to go to the birth centre all being well and started off there but as I had a bleed on arrival at the birth centre and baby’s heart rate had dipped we were transferred to Pembury when I was in established labour. In early labour I no longer felt scared and felt fully prepared and excited to meet our baby. I didn’t enjoy being transferred from the birth centre in established labour as I just wanted to be settled in one place but this was out of our control.
Whilst I felt initially worried about giving birth in a hospital in the end that’s where I felt safest. I also was surprised with how ‘hands off’ they were in the hospital setting and let me just do my thing as much as they could . I found the pushing stage the most challenging as by this point I was knackered but with the support of the midwife with coached pushing ( again something I didn’t think I wanted) this was most effective for me. We were then transferred back to the birth centre for a few nights which I would highly recommend for post birth support.
Breathing techniques (4/5)
In early stages rocking on birth ball with contractions, on all fours rocking, swaying (5/5)
TENs (5/5)
Gas and air (4/5)
A sense of relief she was with us safe and sound. In disbelief/shock I had just given birth and was overcome with emotions.
Emotional adjusting to a new “norm” and an overwhelming sense of responsibility for this new little person!
Breastfeeding my baby exclusively for 4 months.
Breastfeeding/ feeding challenges.
Giving birth and overcoming challenges including silent reflux, x2 tongue ties, weight and feeding challenges.
The need for also prioritising your own self care/mental health!! Also the post birth blues which for me was day 5!! We’re something else.
Taking in the precious moments more in the early days amidst the chaos/challenges faced.
Being able to share your worries/ experiences with other people and to stop you thinking you’re going insane! You second guess everything as a new parent.
Sushi takeout.
Food vouchers.
White noise.
Don’t compare your selves/baby to others and trust your instincts.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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