We are Anya and Nathan, new parents to a little gentleman named Edward. Anya works as an accountant and Nathan works in Logistics. We also have two gerbils named Soy and Bean. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Southampton.
As a first time parents-to-be, we found the world of pregnancy and parenting so ever confusing and overwhelming. Every day we were faced with new obstacles and challenges, from hormonal and physical changes to things like what’s best to buy for a newborn baby, how to prepare yourself for baby’s arrival and what happens after? All these important questions could feel overwhelming to first time parents on top of all your other day to day worries already.
You will never be fully prepared and you will never learn everything to a dot before your baby arrives, but HPHB gave us an opportunity to learn the basics of what is important which helped us calm down and feel more confident in each other. It also gave us a brilliant opportunity to meet people who are going through the same things as we are. Being able to ask each other questions, give each other tips, encouragement and support or even just being able to go out for a coffee just to get away from the chaotic life of being a new parent, makes you feel less lonely and gives you that confidence you might need to face these new happy and exciting changes.
Broadlands, the staff were absolutely lovely and very helpful.
After HPHB had explained to us our options, things like different locations, methods of birthing and different ways of managing the discomfort, we decided to try water birth. Our pregnancy was progressing very well for it too. Our labour started very suddenly, contractions started at 4 minutes apart right away and we had a bit of blood so due to those reasons we rushed to the hospital and had to have an emergency C-section.
We went to the hospital as soon as our contractions started. On the way there, I tried listening to my favourite music and singing along – 5/5 – It was a good distraction, I would believe it ensured that my oxytocin levels stayed high too.
Breathing techniques during contractions – 3/5 – I found it very difficult to take deep breaths, my baby positioned himself under my ribs so I found taking deep breaths and long exhaling was causing me discomfort and pain.
Gas and Air – 5/5 – it was a good support for early labour, I felt like I was able to help myself get over each contraction. Epidural – 10/5 – My contractions at 10cm felt like contractions I had at 3/4cm. I went from 4cm to 10cm within an hour. I was able to talk and be more in control of my labour and focus more on delivering the baby.
I think due to the emergency C-section, and me unable to feel that one last final push a vaginal birth can provide, it felt a bit strange, unreal and confusing. However, the things post surgery like skin to skin contact and breastfeeding the baby, watching him sleep made that missing connection possible.
Every time I breastfed, I always imagined the little knitted breast HPHB midwife was using to show and explain to us the correct way of doing it. We also did pregnancy ball exercises which helped me during my pregnancy. Things like how to swaddle a baby, how to change a nappy, how to keep the baby safe in his cot/moses.
Having that basic knowledge about the pregnancy and labour and looking after the baby, which makes you feel more in control of the situation and more prepared for the challenges it might bring.
I know every baby is different but understanding the baby’s needs.
Being able to change the nappy and know the basic safety for the newborn baby.
They gave me support, gave me advice, shared their labour stories, made me feel less alone as I met some women who experienced similar labour symptoms as me.
Hair band, you really don’t want that long hair to get in your face when you are experiencing contractions, giving birth and then recovering at the ward.
Percy pigs.
Sleeping bags and nipple cream.
Sleeping bag.
First night home with a newborn will be scary, the big unknown, but you need to remember that you got each other and there are people who went through the same things as you did and they are only a message away.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
Enter your postcode to find your nearest Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes
