We are Kathryn and Lance. We are the parents of our lovely Violet (7 weeks old) and dog Hercules. We attended the Wimbledon HPHB course.
As a whole I’d say my pregnancy was pretty easy after the first trimester. The first 12 weeks were terrible because I had morning sickness (which was actually worse at night than in the morning) but after that my pregnancy was a dream. I could even tie my own shoelaces at 9 months pregnant.
I had my baby in the birthing centre, it was a calm space decorated with fairy lights which was very cute.
My birth was a whirlwind. I was 41 weeks and 2 days when I was induced. I had my waters broken and 2 hours later I was holding my baby. I tried the hypnobirthing technique but to be honest my contractions were so intense and came on very quickly that I couldn’t do the breathing techniques but opted for more of a low grunt. It was a completely unmedicated birth and the midwives didn’t have time to run the water in the tub so my planned water birth didn’t quite happen. I was very surprised by how much you can actually handle when you put your mind to it…my husband was so supportive but to be honest I didn’t really hear anyone or anything around me.
Breathing techniques: 1/5 grunting was all I could manage.
TENS machine: 7/10 definitely distracted me from the contractions
UFO positions: 10 /10 kept changing my position, listened to what my body was telling me.
Gas and air: 5/10 made me feel dizzy and I didn’t really enjoy it but it does dull the pain.
The moment I saw my baby was surreal, she didn’t look like what I imagined her to look but from the time I held her it was almost like time stood still and nothing else mattered but her. I was bleeding quite heavily and the was a lot of people trying to help but I don’t actually remember any of it, all I remember is holding my baby. My husband told me afterwards.
My first few days after giving birth were not great, I struggled with low milk supply and I had to formula feed from day 1. I really struggled with the thought that I may never be able to breastfeed. I luckily got a lot of support from my midwives and lactation consultants so there is so much support. The HPHB mums have also been a huge support base, we have a WhatsApp group for just mums where we meet up and can ask questions about our babies which is very helpful.
Top triumph is my baby excelling even though she is predominantly formula fed.
Top challenging: not being able to breastfeed.
My daughters first smile and the babbling conversations that we have.
The constant back pain. My daughter likes to be over my shoulder and it really kills my back.
Our group has become quite close and it’s lovely that their are people who are going through the same thing that you are going through. Everyone is so supportive and always offering words of affirmation.
Definitely my fan and TENS machine were an absolute lifesaver.
Biltong (South African delicacy).
Prepared meals made by our friends.
Baby sling…saves your back and keeps baby on your chest.
Join a gym and get strong before your baby arrives.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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