We are Jemma & Adam. Jemma works in the airline industry and Adam is a property manager. We are parents to our beautiful girl, Quinn. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Newcastle.
I was very lucky and had an amazing, smooth pregnancy. I absolutely loved growing our baby & we decided to keep the gender a surprise which just added to the excitement. The lack of sleep towards the end was definitely the most challenging. The HPHB course was recommended to us by a friend and is such a good way to meet other people due around the same time as you.
Hospital, labour suite. My midwife was incredible and really added to my experience. Luckily Adam could stay overnight in the same room, which was lovely and we were home the next morning.
Again, like my pregnancy, I was so lucky with my birth. I was absolutely terrified at the thought of giving birth, but I can say by the end of the HPHB course, I really felt more positive and that I could do it!
My contractions started at 1AM and like the course advised, I laboured at home as long as possible. We got to the hospital at 9PM that night and I was already 7cm dilated! I used the up breathing and a Tens machine through the contractions which definitely helped. About an hour and a half after getting to hospital, my waters broke and 16 minutes later my baby was here and it was a girl! We were both in complete shock at how fast it all happened but it was everything I wanted from my birth and more.
I was in awe of what my body is capable of. To have my first baby with no pain relief was the most incredible and empowering experience of my life.
I really hope this lets people know that positive births do happen!
Breathing techniques 3/5 – definitely helped but it is tricky to concentrate on them during a strong contraction.
Tens 5/5 – this was a lifesaver.
Mindset/Affirmations 5/5 – telling myself the contraction would be over soon definitely helped me.
Complete shock at first, my birth was so fast I didn’t have time to register what was happening. But then just the most overwhelming feeling of love. Keeping the gender a surprise was the best thing we did, when we saw it was a girl we just couldn’t believe it. Our beautiful Quinn, who we talked about for years, was finally here.
The first few days were a whirlwind, but in the best possible way. Luckily, Quinn has been an amazing sleeper from day one. Seeing my husband become the most amazing Dad was absolutely the best part and has brought us even closer together.
HPHB definitely helped us feel prepared, especially for feeding.
Absolutely my birth. The best achievement of my life.
Adjusting to the new normal and it not just being us 2 anymore was probably the hardest part. But we would not have it any other way, we can’t imagine life without our girl.
Again, my birth. I have never felt prouder of myself. But also, when you get your first smile it makes you feel like you’re doing a good job! Having a happy baby is the best feeling in the world.
I wasn’t expecting how your mother instincts really do kick in. You just know what to do and what your baby needs.
It’s been amazing to have a group of people who were pregnant, gave birth and are now navigating being first time parents at the same time. The mum’s group chat is a lifesaver!
Funny story, Quinn came so fast I didn’t even have time to get our bags out the car! The only thing I had was a water bottle (essential) and my Tens machine.
A very cold glass of Moet.
My mum stocked our freezer with healthy home cooked meals. Best gift you can give new parents.
Star projector for the ceiling. Quinn absolutely loves them for bedtime and bath time.
You know your baby best. The information out there is amazing, but every baby is different and what works for others might not work for you.
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