Tell us about your family…

Hi. We are Hannah and James. Hannah is an illustrator and James runs an audio visual business, based in Hertfordshire. Henry our baby is nearly 4m. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Hitchin.

 

How was your pregnancy?

My pregnancy was good, I felt so excited and in awe of what my body was doing. I struggled with terrible acid reflux from my third trimester so made good friends with Gaviscon.

 

How was your birth?

I had the water birth I had planned for and found it to be one of the most amazing, empowering experiences! I was contracting for three nights, however wasn’t having many contractions in the day. I managed to labour to 6cm at home then on the third night my waters broke at 5am and our baby was born at 8:16am in hospital. HPHB inspired me to use Hypnobirthing techniques. 

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Breathing techniques got me through early labour along with a comb, paracetamol & then codeine on the third day. For active labour I had gas and air and genuinely couldn’t have done labour without it. 

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

Pure joy and utter relief!

 

How were the early days with your baby?

I found the first few days so hard. Henry cried so much and I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. But I was also riding a week long high of adrenaline from the birth and was just so happy it went ok. The course helped me decide my ideal preferences on things like the birth & feeding.

 

What has been your top triumph?

Exclusively breast feeding.

 

What has been your top challenge?

Adjusting to a whole new way of life with little sleep!

 

What has been your proudest moment?

Trusting that my body knew what it was doing!

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

How much babies cry!

 

Any regrets?

Not taking more videos of the first hours and moments from early, hazy days. I have 100s of photos but you forget the tiny details.

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

They’ve been there in the hard moments and it has been great to have mums with similar age babies.

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Button up pyjamas. We forgot the baby wipes but that would’ve been helpful!

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

We had a kebab when we got home! Yum!

 

Most useful baby item…

Food vouchers. Food. Nappies.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Babybjorn baby bouncer. Use it everyday. Bibs dummies.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Be flexible, open, and enjoy time together before baby arrives.

 

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