We are Charlotte and George. We are both Secondary School teachers in Coventry. Charlotte teaches History and George teaches Geography. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Coventry.
This was my first pregnancy and at first I was apprehensive about the whole experience. We kept quiet about our pregnancy until 12 weeks when we told our immediate family, and almost 20 weeks when we shared the news with our friends and colleagues! We booked into the HPHB course to get an insight into what birth would be like and how to actually be parents! I had a really positive pregnancy, with no morning sickness or strange cravings! My second trimester was really positive and I had loads of energy. I played tennis until 30 weeks. However, in my third trimester I suffered from quite severe pelvic pain and my feet went up a size and swelled in the heatwaves of the summer which was pretty uncomfortable!
We began our labour in the birthing centre which was amazing. The midwives were so supportive and the setting was so calming and relaxing considering the circumstances and worries of a first time mum. We were transferred to the labour ward where I delivered but throughout we were informed and felt so supported by our medical team. Our midwife was an absolute angel.
Thanks to the HPHB course we knew what to expect in both settings and were pleasantly surprised by how ‘un-medical’ they felt. It helped to have had the HPHB course to understand what was happening, especially in the afterbirth and with the procedure following the episiotomy.
I was classed as low risk so was due to give birth in the birth centre. I started having contractions early on Saturday and went into hospital, however we were sent home at 2cm. Thanks to our HPHB classes I knew to expect this and to use breathing techniques, a warm bath and support from my birthing partner to keep calm and relax at home. I really struggled overnight with contractions getting closer together and again went up to the hospital on Sunday evening when I was admitted at 4cm. I had a really positive first few hours in the birthing pool with a dark room and fairy lights. I used the hypnobirthing techniques from the sessions which were a godsend!
After 12 hours we were ready to push but he was in an awkward position so we were transferred to the labour ward. This was scary but the midwives were so informative and supportive and put me and George at ease. They explained I’d need an episiotomy which was again scary but necessary to ensure a safe delivery! In the end after 14 hours of labour we had an assisted delivery via suction cup. I had a really positive experience and it was surreal meeting our baby! I think I only pushed for around 30 minutes in total – much quicker than I imagined!
Breathing techniques – 4/5 – used these throughout, including during delivery and felt they gave me focus knowing I only needed to breath through each contraction taking one at a time.
TENS – 1/5 – really didn’t enjoy the sensations and didn’t feel it distracted me.
Gas & Air – 4/5 – mainly used as a distraction technique which helped me to focus and keep comfortable as contractions became stronger, I also used this during afterbirth.
Pethidine – 4/5 – had this after 11 hours of labour and it allowed me to sit down for the first time in almost a day(!!).
Honestly like my heart was going to jump out of my chest! Especially when I saw George’s reaction – total tears of joy!
Daunting! The first night in the hospital felt scary because it was just me and Freddie and I was SO exhausted! We went home after a day and used HPHB knowledge straight away with our safe sleep techniques, breastfeeding positions and knowing to expect LOTS of noise when our newborn was sleeping! It felt so exciting but it was really nerve wracking! Recovering from birth was much more positive than I was expecting and dare I say slightly less painful – I had prepped a little recovery bag for myself after a vaginal birth following HPHB advice and wouldn’t have survived without it!
Mastering breastfeeding.
Sleep deprivation and the nighttimes! Newborns have no concept of a routine and this has been quite the learning curve!
Leaving the house!! Which sounds ridiculous but the first time we were able to leave the house with him, even for a short walk felt like the biggest achievement! 4 weeks in and we’ve managed so many little trips and every-time feels like such a win!
The newborn noises – especially at bedtime!!!
Listening to other people’s scaremongering about birth and pregnancy! Every experience is individual and everyone should be able to experience them for the first time without being scared by other people whether intentional or not!
We have a very active WhatsApp group full of advice and links to local baby groups, helpful baby items! Also lots of meet ups planned and photos shared!
Flannel! George held a cold flannel on the base of my back for 2 solid hours during labour to ease the back pain!
Lying flat on my back!!! Wow the dream.
Our Little Green Sheep crib! Freddie adores it and sleeps like a dream in it!
Nursing pillow! Perfect for the night feeds, daytime naps or the perfect prop for cuddles!
Get organised early! Prep nappy caddies, clothes drawers, sleep areas and extra bits before birth so you can enjoy cuddles and not have to worry about getting things last minute! We also loved the classes – thank you for all the support.
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