Hi. We are Chelsea and Phil. Chelsea works as an administrator and Phil is a gardener. We are parents to Eliza who is 3 months. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Hemel Hempstead.
I will be honest I found pregnancy quite difficult, I had such an aversion to food throughout my pregnancy that I didn’t enjoy a lot of it. However it made me really motivated to get excited about the birth and being a parent. HPHB gave me some much needed information and confidence throughout the journey.
We were at Luton and Dunstable, in a water birth suite. It was perfect, really roomy, private and had all our needs.
My birth was perfect, I originally wanted a home water birth. However I had to go to the hospital to have my water birth as there weren’t enough home midwives. However it was perfect as it meant me and my partner could focus on the breathing techniques and the experience rather than him trying to keep the temperature correct at home (which was harder than we realised ). The breathing techniques were what kept me going, we built our nest at hospital as well as home. I felt so informed that making decisions that were given to me was easy and that was due to HPHB. My partner also felt confident to advocate my wishes as we were clear on our birth plan and what everything meant.
Breathing techniques 5/5, they kept me focused.
Water birth 5/5, was calming and I’m so glad I could be in there.
Gas and air 4/5, it was OK at the beginning I found it difficult to use at the peak of labour as it was interrupting my breathing techniques.
Codeine 3/5, was the only drugs I had but only 40mins before she was born so I’m not too sure if I noticed a difference as there was a lot happening at that point.
Elated, I was so proud of myself and we didn’t know what gender we were having. I got to announce the gender and it was so magical, I burst into tears after. Nothing compares.
They were surreal, I felt very supported from the course but also the midwife at the hospital. I was lucky and found breast feeding wasn’t too difficult as she latched well and it wasn’t too uncomfortable/ Again I think that was helped by the support I received on the course. Due to my birth I recovered really well but my partner really knew what I needed as the course was so informative so I didn’t even have to explain what I needed.
Realising we were parents was scary as I knew it would be, but then to take a little human home really makes you understand! But we loved her instantly and we knew we could do it.
Being able to bring my baby into the world the way I wanted.
It was getting through pregnancy, the physical and mental changes as I didn’t feel like myself but growing a human changes you, definitely for the better.
Being able to bring my baby into the world the way I wanted.
How long the placenta took to be delivered! I had to have two injections and a midwife to assist. I think it actually took like 1h30 mins after birth but I was rather tired at that point.
It’s been really nice to have people really go through the same thing as you. But also as everyone has a slightly different approaches it meant other questions were asked so it helps form a more well rounded approach.
Adult diapers. They are just needed and actually comfortable.
The tea and toast the hospital gave at 1am was unreal.
I received epsom salt and they were so nice for before and after. I’m a big bath lover and that was my happy place so for the salts to help with recovery was great.
Feeding pillow, help with everything not just feeding but cuddles and resting my arms when holding them.
Really take in the practical classes as that really helped me and my partner. Also the videos you are given before are really useful as you can go back to them.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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