Tell us about your family…

Hi. We are Marie and Anoop. Marie is an accountant and we are now proud parents to our new little girl. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Swindon.

 

How was your pregnancy?

Excited to meet our little one and find out if we were having a boy or girl. Morning sickness and vertigo were hard but I kept very active in the second half which I feel helped.

 

Where did you have your baby?

Hospital.

 

How was your birth?

I ended up having a water birth and would say that all the tips and tricks made much more sense after the birth. I thought a water birth was a bit too out there for me but I tried it and loved it! I would recommend that anyone try it if they have the chance. It was easier to move around and soothed sore and tired muscles. The course gave other great advice such as waiting to have visitors to bond and heal and avoid hosting people after birth if you don’t feel like it. I also learnt that padsicles and disposable pants should be on any expectant mothers essential list!

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Breathing 4/5
Water 5/5 – loved it, eased pressure.
Massage 5/5 – pressure from birth partner on lower back was so helpful.
Gas and air 5/5
Comb 4/5

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

Surprise and joy.

 

How were the early days with your baby?

HPHB really helped me prepare for different births and to know what to expect.

It’s hard to not put pressure on yourself to always do better. Giving birth is a life changing experience and takes time to recover. Be kind to yourself is the best advice I received and would pass on to others.

The first aid lesson was hard but I feel better equipped.

The birth bag checklists were so helpful. The course leader helped me feel at ease with all the normal things a body does during birth.

 

What has been your top triumph?

Managing to do one thing each day, from having a walk, cooking a meal or seeing a friend.

 

What has been your top challenge?

Expectations on myself to recover quickly and get back to my old self. There is no schedule with a newborn!

 

What has been your proudest moment?

Watching little one grow and thrive.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

How many sounds baby makes – snoring, panting, sighing.

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

It has been great to be part of a group with others going through the same things. It’s been a great source of advice and support.

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Disposable knickers.

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

Porridge.

 

Most useful baby item…

Sleepsuits 3-6 months with zips.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Hands free pump.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Be kind to yourselves!

 

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