Join a gym and get strong before your baby arrives. We attended the Cardiff June course.
I had a very straightforward pregnancy until 28 weeks when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I knew from this point that I would need to be induced, which comes with a higher chance of a caesarean birth, so HPHB helped me prepare for all eventualities which massively put my mind at ease! Thankfully I remained diet controlled throughout my third trimester, and the baby remained a good size.
Hospital – obstetrics unit. I found this setting really positive. When I knew I’d be induced and I’d have to go to the obstetrics unit I was worried it would feel too clinical, but they made sure it felt calm and peaceful and I really enjoyed my time there!
My birth was a tale of two halves. The actual birth was very straightforward and incredibly positive. I used the techniques I had learned in class including hypnobirthing and upbreathing to manage my contractions – I found this really useful in conjunction with gas and air especially! Hypnobirthing and positive affirmations were also incredibly useful for me in the 5 days I spent on the induction ward waiting for my waters to be broken too – that was a hugely challenging period but reminding myself that I was doing my best to bring baby into the world and keeping myself calm really helped.
Breathing techniques 5/5 – I was dubious about these at first but they really helped me get into the zone.
Gas and air 8/10 – worked well until about 8/9cm when the pain ramped up.
Epidural 10/10 – completely changed the game for me and made me feel so much more in control and present in the room.
I was absolutely amazed and blown away that my body had made a fully fledged little human! I remember looking at his tiny fingers and toes and watching him move and being just blown away with how complete he was. I felt immediate love and protection for him, and the rest of the world just didn’t exist outside of our baby bubble.
We settled into parenthood really well and I credit a lot of that to what we learned in HPHB classes. We felt really confident changing nappies, swaddling, baby wearing etc because we had covered it in class. I also had compliments from the midwives on my breastfeeding positioning, and when breastfeeding ultimately didn’t work out for us, we knew how to mix and sterilise bottles too. The preparation we had ensured we could go into it well prepared and it has really paid off.
Establishing the difference between day and night sleep, which has led to him sleeping really lovely long stretches in the night!
Breastfeeding – I had issues with my supply and despite all my efforts to increase it, it didn’t work out for us. It was a really tricky time trying to pump as well as feed throughout the day to no avail. But he is fed and that’s all that matters!
Seeing him smile for the first time. It made it all worth it.
How wriggly newborn babies are! Changing him and swaddling him was so much more difficult than on the doll in the HPHB sessions because he moved so much more than I thought he would.
I wish I had done more research into cluster feeding and establishing my supply of breastmilk before giving birth.
Having a community of parents going through the same things has been invaluable. We share concerns and worries, but also our little wins in the week. It’s been lovely to get out and about with them too, supporting each other to get out on walks or get out of the house which has been great for our mental wellbeing.
Witch hazel pad liners! I had a second degree tear and these were a lifesaver.
After having gestational diabetes and avoiding carbs for 12 weeks, that toast and jam after giving birth hit different.
Our change bag! It’s got a section that folds out to become a portable bed / change mat. We love it!
Milton tablets – makes sterilising so much easier.
The guidance is advice, not rules. As long as you are keeping your baby safe, fed, clean and warm, you can do things in whatever way works best for you. You can get so wrapped up in doing things by the book that you can really negatively impact your mental health which isn’t good for you or baby, and it’s so much better to find your own path that works for you than try to fit yourself into a box that doesn’t feel right.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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