Tell us about your family…

We are Amy and Rory. Amy works in marketing and Rory is a chartered accountant, we are parents to our rainbow baby Georgia (10 weeks old) and our cockapoo Flash. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Newcastle.

 

How was your pregnancy?

Pregnancy was hard, a lot of nausea in the first trimester, round ligament pain throughout which stopped me running and caused pain when walking as well. I had awful heartburn and had low iron stores. But every second was worth it after having a miscarriage the previous year. I just felt very grateful to be pregnant still. We felt very unaware of how to look after a baby and HPHB was so helpful at showing us all the things we needed to learn and all my birth options. It was also so great to meet people in the area and make some parent friends.

 

Where did you have your baby?

Hospital, glad I was there in case I needed something. 

 

How was your birth?

Birth was challenging but it all went away the second my baby was in my arms. I had asked for an epidural but by the time it was available my baby started to crown so it was too late and I couldn’t have one. In total my labour was 35 hours. 

 

How did you keep comfortable?

Breathing techniques – 4/5 in the first stage of labour, and when pushing.
UFO positions – 3/5
Paracetamol – 0/5
Tens machine – 2/5 worked at the start.
Bath – 3/5 helpful at the start.
Gas and air – 1/5 just made me thirsty.

 

How did you feel when you first met your baby?

Pure joy, relief and an overwhelming amount of love.

 

How were the early days with your baby?

I had quite a difficult time breastfeeding to begin with, poor latch, tongue tie, weight loss, but now 10 weeks in my baby is thriving and I’m breast feeding exclusively and I feel really proud of this as there were many times I wanted to give up.

 

One thing you weren’t expecting…

How hard it would be when she screams. She has wind and reflux and the screaming goes through your soul.

 

How have your HPHB group supported you?

So lovely to have people to meet up with and also just to message and check things are normal for some reassurance.

 

Most useful hospital bag item…

During birth – large straw water cup.
After birth – snacks! Nighty for easy access to feed baby and have checks done.

 

What was your best post-birth treat?

Rare steak!

 

Most useful baby item…

Sling – we used this a lot in the first few weeks.

 

What was your most useful gift?

Baby carrier – she only sleeps in this during the day time.

 

One final tip for other expectant parents…

Throw everything you have read out the window, trust your gut and let your baby show you what they need – every baby is different! Everything is just a phase!

 

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