We are Naomi, Ollie and Heidi. Naomi works in the legal industry and Ollie in banking and we’re parents to baby Heidi. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Wanstead.
I was so lucky as had no real symptoms during most of my pregnancy until I reached the third trimester when I got sciatica at night and generally felt a bit big and uncomfortable. I was hoping for a vaginal birth in the birthing suite using the pool, but she came too quickly for that! We had zero experience of babies and HPHB really helped take away lots of the unknowns and made us feel ore comfortable about what we were about to embark on.
My first contraction started at 1am and by 3am I was 3cm dilated. Not what I expected for my first baby! I worked a week up until my due date thinking the baby would come late and just ended up having Saturday off work before she came on Sunday. As it happened so quickly, I wasn’t able to have any sleep or pain relief other than gas and air (but it made me feel sick). I ended up having an episiotomy and ventouse as she was struggling to come out towards the end.
At the time I just wanted them to get her out but then I felt some guilt as her little head was swollen and misshapen. This soon fixed itself though and now I’m super proud of myself for how I coped. It was an amazing experience and I didn’t feel panicked during labour. I’m almost happy that the choice of having an epidural was taken away from me as I hadn’t wanted one but think I would have opted for it. I’m so lucky it was over so quickly. Any longer and I’d have definitely gone for an epidural. Women who are in labour for a long time are absolute heroes!
I used breathing techniques which really helped. The breathing came naturally and the hypnobirthing knowledge meant I understood what was happening in my body during labour which was useful. I wanted to use water, a tens machine and I wanted to be upright when giving birth but I found it too uncomfortable when I stood up. For me lying down was a much more comfortable position but perhaps led to me having issues actually getting her out.
Shock, complete joy and a feel of being overwhelmingly grateful. Complete awe of the body and how it’s created something so amazing!
Getting through the first 10 weeks and getting out and about with the baby. It’s been a bit scary taking her on longer car journeys on my own but I forced myself to do it and even though I’m still nervous whenever I take her out on my own I’m getting more confident every day.
The breastfeeding. I so wanted to exclusively breastfeed but haven’t been able to and am now pumping lots and giving her bottles. I still try to breastfeed a bit, pump and also top her up with formula when needed. I’ve struggled to pump enough milk for her and it’s been tough.
Getting out and about with Heidi on my own.
I wish I’d tried harder to get colostrum.
The group has been really supportive. We meet once a week for coffee and have a WhatsApp group where we chat and share activities, lessons learnt, ask questions etc.
Chocolate and slippers! Also a comfy nightie.
Chocolate.
The Snoo cot and the Doona car seat.
The Snoo cot.
Try not to stress too much. Go with the flow, take each day at a time and know that no 2 days are the same. If you have a bad day the next one is likely to be much better!
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