We are Vera and William, both freelancers working in the arts and education. We have a 6 year old dog Luna (bichon frise) and now a little girl Zoya. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Brockley.
My pregnancy went well and William was really involved in every stage. I think he found all the birth classes really helpful. It was also great to learn about how to look after the newborn together. I’ve had babies (siblings) in my life but for William it was his first time! I found it important to learn these things together as it creates the right balance in parenting, not too mother-focused.
I really wanted a vaginal birth but ended up with a C-section. It was useful to learn from the HPHB course what to expect even through I thought it wouldn’t be my experience. Zoya was born in Lewisham Hospital and we had the most reassuring and confident midwife Cat who stayed with me for the whole time.
Although it wasn’t an easy ride, I’m left with a good impression of Zoya’s birth.
I found gas and air an extremely helpful pain relief method although in my case, I think I had all available pain reliefs, including opioid injections, epidural and spinal.
The breathing technique was definitely something I was glad I had learnt. And just staying active as much as possible
I was shaking so I didn’t hold her straight away, but William had skin to skin with her and then got her dressed. She then found my boob and stayed on it for about 50 mins. It was so sweet.
I was pleasantly surprised to be discharged the following day and be home. It was challenging looking after the baby after a C-section. However, it was Christmas time and we had plenty of time together. The best advice from the course was to limit the number of visitors if that felt right and just focus on our new bubble, enjoying every moment.
Giving each other time and space to recharge to we can spent quality time with Zoya and give her all the love we have.
Compared to other babies, I think we’ve had it pretty good so far. I feel rather sleep deprived because I can’t sleep when the baby is asleep during the day but coping okay.
The sleeping routing I’ve established with Zoya during the day. It usually takes about 10 mins to put her to sleep. Even my mother in law was amazed.
I didn’t expect to feel so much love towards this little baby. I was blessed to feel it straight away.
Having a group chat with other mums helps a lot, we meet almost every week and its sweet to see how all the babies are doing.
Bring your own comfortable clothes, ideally cotton as the hospital gowns are made of artificial materials and make your hot and sweaty – really not what you need at that moment.
Smelly runny cheese, pate and all sorts of food you’re not allowed during pregnancy. Christmas feast came at the right time for me.
A bouncer was good, it helps Zoya to poo. And a baby carrier.
Do the course! Never read stuff online (only trusted sources). Relax, people do it all over the world.
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