Hello. We are Steve and Eleanor. Steve works in software sales and Eleanor is a Project Manager at a global recruitment company. We are parents to baby Annabelle and our black Labrador, Rupert. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Guildford.
My pregnancy for the most part was straightforward. I was lucky enough to have minimal morning sickness during my first trimester, although I do recall throwing up in the toilets at Gatwick airport at 5am on my way to a business trip! After my 12 week scan, I was informed that I had low PAPP-A, which meant I was at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, premature birth and a low birth weight. I took a low dose of aspirin until 36 weeks to improve the blood flow from my placenta to baby and I had additional growth scans throughout my pregnancy. I felt lucky to be able to see my baby more frequently and the regular check-ins were reassuring. Low PAPP-A was not an issue for us until the 36 week scan where we were told that the baby’s growth had slowed down and were advised to be induced the following week. After discussing all options with my consultant and midwife, I decided to go ahead with the induction, even though it was not part of my birth plan! But felt given the circumstances this was the best option.
I had baby at the wonderful Royal Surrey County Hospital and I was there for a total of 4 days.
I was induced at 37+1 with the Dilapan rods. I was worried about how painful it would be to have them inserted but it was no more uncomfortable than a smear test, it just went on for a bit longer! These stayed overnight where I experienced mild period-type cramps. I took some Paracetamol and went to sleep! The following morning, the rods were removed and I had dilated 2cm. However, that morning, there were some concerns with the CTG reading. At this point, I was advised that a C-section would be the best option, that the baby needed to come out sooner rather than later. I was devastated as this was very much plan c for me. But the doctors and midwives were wonderful and gave me some time to think about it.
So, my husband and I went for a walk and discussed all the options. In the end, we decided to go ahead with the C-section as there were too many risks with a vaginal birth at this stage. I was then booked in for the following day. Me and baby continued to be monitored up until the surgery and luckily everything remained stable. I felt grateful that HPHB had covered C-sections, as prior to that I had minimal knowledge, all I knew was that I didn’t want one! The course also taught me the importance of having flexibility in your birth plan and to consider all options. I was devastated to not have the spontaneous, vaginal birth I so desperately wanted and it took some time to overcome that. But in the end, I felt equipped to navigate these challenges.
As I didn’t labour, pain relief was minimal. I had some Paracetamol after the rods were inserted and my husband gave me a massage with some labour massage oil the first night before I went to sleep. For the C-section, I was nervous for the spinal as I didn’t even plan to have an epidural for my planned vaginal birth! But it wasn’t too bad in the end and I was surprised at how quickly I went numb. I used the breathing techniques I had learnt at HPHB throughout to help me remain calm, I’d give this a 5/5 as it really stopped my mind from spiralling. We also had our own music playing in theatre, which I highly recommend.
A mix of happiness and relief! I was just so glad that she was here safely. Holding her for the first time was truly magical. All that worry just vanished. My baby was here safe in my arms and nothing else mattered. She was tiny at just 5lb 3oz but so perfect. I will never forget being wheeled to the postnatal ward, her lying on my chest while I was still enjoying the effects of the anaesthetic! Pure euphoria.
The first few days were tough. My milk wouldn’t come in and Annabelle’s blood sugar levels were dropping. She was also slightly jaundiced. We ended up being on a feeding plan for the first 3 weeks, which involved combi-feeding. I had no intention of giving formula, so again I’m grateful to HPHB for covering bottle feeding and breastfeeding, as I was doing both every 3 hours. Sleep was tough and the pain from the C-section was intense for the first week. My husband set alarms on his phone to remind me to take my pain relief! But all of this was coupled with so much joy and love, it really was magical. I just couldn’t believe she was here!
Eventually mastering breastfeeding! I didn’t get the birth I wanted but I did eventually get to feed my baby as I wanted.
Sleep deprivation!
Becoming a mum!
Having to wake a baby to feed. She was so tiny and sleepy early on. It felt counterintuitive to wake a sleeping baby.
I remember one night, it was 3am and Annabelle hadn’t really slept for more than 10 mins here and there all night. I messaged the mums and of course I was not the only one wide awake! It felt good to have that support in an otherwise lonely moment.
Skincare! It might seem trivial, but having that one small piece of normality helped me get through 4 days in hospital. Also, a massive water bottle with a straw is essential!
When I came out of theatre I was offered some apple juice and I cannot begin to tell you how amazing that was!
Food! You won’t want to cook those first few weeks but you need something nutritious. Having friends and family bring us home cooked food was amazing.
Snot sucker!
Let go of the birthing plan. Think about your preferences but be prepared for all possibilities.
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