We are Tom and Harriet. Tom is an insurance broker and Harriet is a research scientist, and we are now parents to Nina. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Forest Hill.
I really was very lucky and had a good pregnancy. Aside from being very tired compared to normal and suffering with nausea in the evenings in the first trimester everything else was plain sailing. I had the odd bit of pelvic pain but managed well. I managed to stay running and cycling throughout which helped, and I used it as an opportunity for some bonding time with the little one growing inside of me. We were both hugely excited as it was something we had been talking about for some time.
Birth centre and the labour ward at Lewisham Hospital. They were both great, the midwives were excellent. I felt supported and kept informed and in control of my care even when medical intervention was needed. I also felt my husband was looked after!
The birth wasn’t exactly as planned. I however felt very supported throughout and with the course knowledge felt informed to be able to make the decisions that would be best for us, and know when to use my instincts to hang fire on anything. I had originally said no to any medication, but the contractions in my back were really hard so I had Pethidine, which allowed me to get some respite from them as I dilated quickly. I laboured mostly in the birth centre, but after 3 hours of pushing and no sign of Nina (she kept on wriggling her way back up) we went to the labour ward and after another 3hrs and an episiotomy she popped out. Whilst I was getting very tired, Nina was phenomenal throughout and completely unbothered by the whole labour. Her chill personality has carried through in the outside world!
Breathing – 4/5 in early labour was very handy to keep contractions manageable. I walked a fair bit during this stage which went hand in hand with the breathing.
TENS – 5/5 until the contractions got too much.
Pethidine – 4/5 so useful for me to get rest, however I felt a bit nauseous so couldn’t eat.
Gas and Air – 3/5 mostly good.
Water – 3/5 I liked it while I was there but wish I could have stayed in longer/birthed there.
It just felt like everything slotted into place, and all became right. Pure bliss.
I was expecting utter chaos however we managed very well and it was lovely in part because Nina was very relaxed, and we also were quite relaxed. I was exhausted from labour but she slept a lot those first couple of days! Having my mum and sister come to help was also 10/10 as they took care of us so we could settle into our new life.
Getting out of the house for a good walk or activity everyday. If you can get outside even for 5 minutes it does everyone the world of good. I have had a good feeding experience which has helped this by being able to feed outside on day 3! It also helps once Tom went back to work so I didn’t feel trapped inside.
Jaundice! Nina had quite bad jaundice, that skirted just below the treatment line for a while which meant daily visits to the hospital for a while, which was hard going.
Bringing Nina to her home and having a cup of tea as a family in our space for the first time.
To be completely and utterly proud of every poo.
Not being able to finish the labour in the birth centre but some things aren’t meant to be.
We have met up since which has been lovely, and our mum’s WhatsApp is great. Someone is always there for advice or a funny take on things and to know you aren’t alone!
The Frida mum disposable pants! I wish I could wear them forever, so comfy, and nice to just bin after use, it’s all a bit messy!!
Cured meats and stinky cheese.
We were given money towards our buggy. We love it, gets us out and moving and she loves it!
Some form of baby carrier! Hello hands free!!
Don’t overthink things, relax and enjoy the process – thank you HPHB + Jess our course leader!!
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