Tell us about your family…

We are Hannah and Conrad, Hannah is a lawyer and Conrad is a Sales Director. We live in Altrincham with our rescue Rottweiler Duke and baby girl Emmeline. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Altrincham.

 

How was your pregnancy?

I was so lucky during my pregnancy, save for extreme tiredness in the first and third trimesters I had no adverse symptoms. As an IVF pregnancy HPHB course helped me cope with anxiety over my lack of symptoms and helped me focus my mind on the exciting times ahead.

 

Where did you have your baby?

Wythenshawe Labour Ward, including birth pool. I found the setting comforting as I felt safe and secure.

 

How was your birth?

Having gone past 41 weeks I implemented skills I learnt during the HPHB course to verbalise my preferences when it came to interventions, I chose to refuse an induction and booked an elective C-section. Baby Emmeline had other ideas and arrived vaginally the day of my pre-op. She was a whopping 9lbs 10oz and required some encouragement with forceps. Throughout my labour I had gas and air and used the HPHB breathing techniques and my favourite essential oils to get through.

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Breathing techniques 5/5
Water bath 4/5
Essential oils 4/5 – I also love that I have a smell at home that reminds me of my baby.
Gas and air 3/5 – although this helped me focus my breathing especially during contractions.

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

I wish I could bottle the feeling. After 41 weeks and 12 hours of labour seeing her made everything worth it.

 

How were the early days with your baby?

The first few days were a blur. The tribe of new mums I met at HPHB helped me through those early days!

 

What has been your top triumph?

Being able to exclusively breastfeed and that first coffee meet up with the other HPHB mums!!

 

What has been your top challenge?

The sleep deprivation is real but I have learnt to surrender to this and sleep when I can!

 

What has been your proudest moment?

My baby reaching her birth weight and knowing she was feeding well.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

The mother’s intuition is real!

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

The mum and baby meet ups have made me feel like me again! I feel like I’ve found my tribe.

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Aromatherapy oils and handheld fan.

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

Sushi and steak!

 

Most useful baby item…

Baby bouncer.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Baby carrier.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Surrender to the newborn phase. There is no manual and no logic. You are doing great!

 

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