We are Joelle & Connor. Joelle works in accounts and Connor is self employed. We are parents to Evie (10) and baby Chloe. Chloe is Connor’s first biological child. We attended the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Wanstead.
After 5 moths of trying, we got a BFP (big fat positive), morning sickness kicked in and was relentless, all day and night all the way until 29 weeks. I was thankful to have a more independent older child at this time as I couldn’t have coped trying to change nappies while being so sick! The HPHB course was great and especially when talking about the birth plan I thought it was brilliant to say plan for a vaginal birth but also a C-section and think how you’d want it to be.
The birth was fairly quick once it started, but I’d been having contractions for 48 hours prior. It was intense as my baby was back-to-back. But from getting up to the Birthing suite being 4cm, within 2 and a half hours the baby was born. I managed with just gas and air, as I didn’t really have time to think about anything else. My husband found it quite difficult to see me this way, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t as I was focused on getting the baby out.
I was breathing in for 4 out for 6 for the first 48 hours as I had no other choice. On the way to the hospital I was saying I wanted an epidural but once assessed in triage, and was 4cm they offered me the midwife led Birthing suite which was in my birth plan but meant I couldn’t have the epidural. I decided to take it as thought I could always move if needed. Gas and air was great and really helped. I did get in the water, but I think I was progressing too quickly and I actually found it quite stressful, I was on my knees but they kept slipping and I was feeling like I needed to push so wanted to get out.
Completely overwhelmed, couldn’t believe I had done it and she was here after all these months.
The first days were pretty adrenaline filled and I felt like I could do everything. Really I should have been in bed recovering and resting rather than thinking I was wonder woman!
Getting my baby back to birthweight just by breastfeeding and not needing to top up.
Having a velcro baby that I can’t put down without her crying.
Bringing this perfect baby girl into the world and making the school run on time!
I wasn’t expecting to have a baby that hated to be put down and would just cry each time.
HPHB friends are a life saver. We now meet every Monday- whoever is free comes along.
The massive incontinence pants instead of the pads!
Definitely sushi, I’m not a massive drinker, but do like the odd fruity cider.
Dinners! We had people bringing us cooked dinners for the first 2 weeks.
Little mermaid play mat with tummy time cushion, she likes being in it when having her nappy changed.
Embrace it and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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