We are Jess & Adi. Jess works in Finance and Adi works for a stationers. We are parents to beautiful little Harry and a gorgeous dog called Tilly. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Fishponds.
My pregnancy was incredibly challenging as from week 6, right up until I gave birth at 38 +3 weeks, I had severe hyperemesis gravidarum. I spent time in hospital and was on medication throughout. I was also diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes at 28 weeks, which meant the last 19 weeks of pregnancy were particularly challenging. It was a complete emotional roller-coaster throughout. Finding out we were pregnant was a big surprise and we didn’t have long to enjoy and celebrate before I had to have my first hospital stay. I just kept thinking that all of the sickness and tears would be completely worth it – and I wasn’t wrong!
Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
Due to my gestational diabetes I was presented with two birth options – Induction of labour or elective C-section. HPHB was so informative and helped us to decide what would be the best option for us, whilst ensuring that we met our little man as quickly and as safely as possible. As I’d been so unwell throughout, I wanted the option to choose how and when I gave birth and without the information we were taught during the HPHB course, I would have really struggled to choose. We opted for an elective section and it was THE most amazing experience. I had been so nervous about it, worried about all the things that were so completely out of my control but I had nothing to worry about. My c-section experience was truly beautiful and calming. Our little boy was born to David Bowie’s ‘let’s dance’ as the anaesthetist chose an 80’s playlist for us to listen to. It was a truly beautiful day.
The C-section itself was very quick, however I found the most nerve-wracking part to be the administration of the spinal block, but it was 5/5 for not feeling anything. The breathing techniques learnt during the course helped me to keep as calm as possible during the spinal block (5/5 for ensuring you feel next to nothing) and whilst I did have a few tears during the process, it was over quite quickly. I found the breathing techniques learnt during the course to be hugely beneficial during this process.
Overwhelmed with love – it’s a feeling you can’t really put into words!
The first few days were a whirlwind of emotions. I was incredibly emotional for at least a week, I couldn’t believe Harry was here and was ours! I found breastfeeding really tough and our feeding journey up until now has not been easy but the course massively helped me prepare for this. My recovery was generally quite good, I did pick up a slight infection, but that was treated quickly with antibiotics and my C-section scar is very neat and is now healing well.
Sleep – what is that?! 🙂
I was nervous about how I would know what to do in those first few weeks, but honestly it’s like second nature. Before having Harry I’d only changed one nappy (and one practice during HPHB course) and that took me ages to do, but it’s amazing how much you learn in a short space of time when you become a parent. I could probably do it with my eyes closed now……..!
Getting through a challenging pregnancy, which had a huge effect on my day-to-day life. Being sick 20+ times a day is hard work, both physically and mentally. Now he’s here though, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat! He’s completely worth it.
When that curtain went down in the operating theatre and they said ‘Happy Birthday, now come and meet your Mummy and Daddy’ – best moment of my life! Becoming a Mum is the very best feeling.
To find breastfeeding so challenging. I thought he would just latch and away we’d be, but it’s really not that simple. Babies have to learn the technique of breastfeeding and for some, it’s not easy.
I wish I’d been kinder to myself in the first few days. When you’re emotional, tired and struggling with feeding it can be so overwhelming and I felt guilty that he wasn’t feeding as I had wanted to. All you can ever do is to try.
Lots of advice, motivational poems and shared experiences. It’s nice to know you’re not on your own and that we’re all going through the newborn phase (and beyond) together.
Bag organisers. You’ll be surprised how helpful it is for both you and your partner to know where everything is. My Husband found it really useful that we had been so organised when we packed the bag. Also, chewing gum – great if you’ve had a c-section! IYKYN!
Just to eat without being sick! Also, chocolate! I’d been completely off the taste of chocolate but I’m pleased to say my love for chocolatey goodness has returned.
Muslins – don’t underestimate how many you might need.
Also a nasal aspirator – a very useful gift if your baby should ever get a cold.
A Sleepyhead deluxe has been very useful over the past few weeks and Harry finds it very snug to relax in during the daytime.
Go into parenthood with no expectations, as nothing is ever quite as you think. We’ve found it to be the most incredible and beautiful journey and whilst it has been tough, for me and my husband, it’s the most wonderful journey so far. We loved the course and have recommended it to lots of our friends who are pregnant – thank you!
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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