Tell us about your family…

We are Chelsea and Joe. Chelsea works in the NHS and Joe is an artist. We are parents to 8 year old Noah and 2 week old Marnie. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Brighton.

 

How was your pregnancy?

I had a good pregnancy. HPHB was so informative and gave us all the information and reassurance we needed as parents.

 

Where did you have your baby?

Royal Sussex County Hospital. Lovely setting and midwives.

 

How was your birth?

I had an incredible birth and used the breathing techniques I learnt during HPHB which helped me massively. I was able to breathe through the contractions and felt strong enough to get through each stage of labour.

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Breathing techniques, birthing pool, gas and air and TENS machine.

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

Absolutely overwhelmed and so so happy!

 

How were the early days with your baby?

I loved the baby bubble. We really embraced it and said no to visitors in the early days. My recovery was good.

 

What has been your top triumph?

Getting through labour and birth.

 

What has been your top challenge?

Believing in myself.

 

What has been your proudest moment?

Holding my baby in my arms for the first time.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

To be as calm as I was throughout my whole labour.

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

They’re great. We provide support to each other whenever it’s needed!

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

Fan.

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

Tea and toast and chocolate.

 

Most useful baby item…

Najell baby carrier.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Really try to embrace the first two weeks. Soak up all the baby cuddles and get rest when the baby sleeps.

 

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