Hello. My name is Emily, I am a teacher. My husband and I have our lovely son, who is 2 months old, and a lively 2 year old labrador named Arlo. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Market Harborough.
I really enjoyed pregnancy. I found it fascinating and exciting watching my body change. Giving birth had always filled me with anxiety, and this anxiety grew as my pregnancy progressed. However, the HPHB course definitely helped to alleviate my fears. The course gave me a greater understanding of exactly what would happen during birth and what my options were, as well as practical strategies such as breathing techniques. This knowledge helped me to feel calm as my due date approached.
I had my baby in the hospital. The midwives were incredible.
I was induced at 39 weeks. The breathing techniques we learnt during the HPHB course helped me to be calm and relaxed during these examinations, which in turn reduced discomfort I felt. I was surprised by how quickly contractions started and became more intense once my waters had been broken.
The HPHB course gave me a good understanding of my pain relief options, and so in that moment I felt confident in making a decision that was right for me and my baby. Towards the end of labour my baby’s heart rate dropped and so I had forceps and an episiotomy. Again, these were both covered during the course, and so I felt able to make an informed decision when consenting to this in the moment.
Breathing techniques, 4/5 gave me something to focus on during contractions.
TENS machine, 4/5 was not able to use during labour but very effective for back pain in late pregnancy.
Paracetamol, 1/5 didn’t really help.
Gas and air, 2/5.
Epidural, 0/5, it didn’t work for me.
I felt an immense sense of calm and peace the second my baby was placed in my arms. I was aware of doctors and midwives talking to me but I couldn’t focus on what they were saying because all I wanted to do was look at my beautiful baby. My husband said the change on my face was incredible. He said he could see all the pain and stress of labour melt away as soon as I held my baby.
The first few days were amazing. We loved being in our own little world. The feeding advice from HPHB was particularly useful, as it helped me to establish a secure breastfeeding feeding latch from the start.
Getting to know my baby’s cues so I can be responsive to their needs.
Dealing with an overtired baby who won’t nap!
I feel proud of my baby every day.
My husband and I have been able to go out much more than I thought we would!
We have met for coffee and been a source of advice for each other, or just a release to have a bit of a moan.
A huge water bottle with a straw. My husband used it to feed me water in labour, and now I use it while breastfeeding.
Cheese!
The blanket which we use every night.
A sling.
Take as many photos as you can to cherish the “everyday” moments.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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