Hi. We are Liz and Sam. Liz works as a vet and Sam is a graphic designer and we are new parents to baby Leo (age 8 weeks), we also have a 14 year old terrier, Teddy and 15 year old fluffy cat, Rosie (our first children). We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Norwich.
I had bad morning sickness with retching and nausea until about 20 weeks! Later on during the course of my pregnancy, we found out Leo was measuring on the small side. I was having weekly scans right until the birth. Having weekly scans was both reassuring and scary, especially towards the end as the doctor said to prepare your overnight bag and bring it just in case at 35 weeks! I was told to prepare to have a C-section at 37 weeks. The HPHB course prepared us for what an elective C-section would involve in our very first class so this was very useful and reassuring. So I wasn’t as nervous about it as I might have been had I not done the course.
I had an elective C-section at 37 weeks. I quite liked knowing exactly what time and date we would have the baby as we could prepare better. I didn’t like being nil by mouth overnight especially when I found out I was last on the list and had to wait the longest that morning! By the time I had him in my arms I’d forgotten all about my hunger and I was just so happy and relieved. Leo was born within 10 minutes of the surgery. I could feel a tugging feeling as he was born, which I wasn’t expecting as I had thought I would be completely numb. I was given remifentanil which helped.
Thankfully Leo was perfectly fine and well weighing only 2.02kg but didn’t need any supportive care/NICU as we were expecting he might have needed it. We have a HPHB WhatsApp group where we shared our birth news with each other which was nice to see everyone’s babies as they were born and we could stay in touch and didn’t feel alone going through it.
After my C-section I was on paracetamol and ibuprofen. The combination was effective 4/5. It was mainly sore initially when I would move around so I tried not to move much at all in the hospital unless I really needed to go to the toilet. I did also try Oramorph once on the first day but it made me feel worse and itchy so I didn’t take it again (1/5)! I used a TENS machine at home to help with lower back pain and it helped me sleep too (3/5).
Relief, and just so happy and completely in love at first sight. Instant joy. It’s hard to describe. But it was just amazing to finally hold him in my arms and I was relieved that all was well.
The first 3 days I was in hospital so I feel that set me back with regards to feeling tired as I didn’t sleep well there anyway. It was extremely tiring and stressful. The information about how to breastfeed and different positions was useful. We felt well educated about safe sleep so that was good once we got him home knowing we were set up right and had everything we needed. The recovery was ok once I was home. We set up everything we needed for me and the baby in our bedroom so I didn’t really have to go far until I felt better. Becoming a parent still feels surreal, scary and daunting but also at the same time happy and excited that he was finally here safe and well.
Breastfeeding Leo. It is an amazing feeling when it goes well. It’s incredibly rewarding.
Also breastfeeding! It is challenging though I feel it’s getting easier over time.
Getting him home from hospital and finding out his weight is good.
The level of sleep deprivation.
None about having Leo. I only felt like I’ve neglected my poor pets since having the baby.
They have been a great support network on the WhatsApp group. It’s great to be able to share our birth stories with each other and challenges and triumphs too! We have been chatting a lot since we’ve had our babies and sharing tips and things we’ve found out along the way such as local breastfeeding groups for example. It’s been really nice and helpful.
Slippers and also maternity pads!
Smoked salmon and sushi.
Silver nipple shields and baby rucksack which has many compartments including freezer bags pocket and sections for bottles etc. and also came with a nappy changing mat with pockets!
Muslins!
Ask for and accept any help that comes your way from friends, family and neighbours. It takes a village to raise a child! That is so true!
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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