Tell us about your family…

We are Lucy and Alex, we’re both architects and have a 2.5 year old daughter Alba. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Pudsey. 

 

How was your pregnancy?

We were very pleased to be pregnant with our second child but being pregnant with a toddler running around was veeery difficult. I felt calmer about the prospect of having another child but the pregnancy was more challenging with my age and a couple of complications.

We joined the HPHB refresher course to remind us of how to care for the new arrival but also to know how we could support our toddler with the transition.

 

Where did you have your baby?

St James’s Hospital, Leeds. We had a great experience.

 

How was your birth?

We had a planned C-Section booked for the first week in September but our little boy decided he didn’t want to wait that long. I went in to labour at 37 weeks and headed to the hospital for an ‘emergency’ C-Section – not because there were any concerns about baby but due to our request for a planned C-Section. I had felt that baby would arrive early and had been concerned that I would not get the C-Section in time but I was very relieved that the doctors took this seriously and made sure to arrange the C-Section in plenty of time.

 

How did you keep comfortable?

We had a very fast ‘emergency’ C-Section so didn’t really have time.

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

Relieved to finally meet him and know he was healthy.

 

How were the early days with your baby?

The first days were very challenging due to our son having a tongue tie. I can hardly remember it now, it was such a blur of emotions.

The most useful information from the course for us was around how to introduce the new baby to our toddler. We thought carefully about this and made sure to give her lots of attention whilst the baby was sleeping in his moses basket.

 

What has been your top triumph?

Bringing my baby into the world safely and watching him pile on the pounds!

 

What has been your top challenge?

Exclusively breastfeeding, it’s great that he is getting everything he needs but the mental load of worrying about my supply is a lot.

 

What has been your proudest moment?

Seeing how fantastic my toddler has been with her baby brother.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

I thought I knew what tiredness was after our daughter was born but this is a new level of tiredness I couldn’t contemplate.

 

Any regrets?

Finish the house renovation before the baby arrives…

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

Listening to me and going out for lots of long walks.

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Pillow.

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

Any meal eaten at a table with 2 hands.

 

Most useful baby item…

A home cooked lasagne.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Moses basket.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Try to start your maternity leave a couple of weeks before the baby arrives so you can rest and mentally prepare.

 

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