We are Nick and El. Nick works in IT and El works in retail. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Ealing.
This was mine and my partner’s first pregnancy and we conceived quicker than expected so felt quite overwhelmed with everything we didn’t know when we found out we were expecting. HPHB was a great choice for us because it’s informative but in a relaxed environment, plus you have access to so much content online that you can look at for up to 6 months and ahead of each in person meet up. For me, it gave me the confidence to go for the water birth I knew I wanted after we had the session on hypnobirthing. I felt empowered by the tips and knowledge shared that I could go for the birth I wanted but also be prepared for other outcomes depending on how the birth went.
I gave birth in the Birth Centre in St Mary’s which I would recommend to anyone who wants a midwife led labour. The active phase of labour was as I’d expected, I had gas and air and was in the pool for the majority of the active labour as planned and I was able to use my hypnobirthing techniques to keep calm and motivate myself through the contractions. We used the template birth plan from HPHB before the birth so that my partner was able to confidently advocate for me should I need it.
For me the unexpected thing was how long early labour can be. I had contractions which slowed to every 10 minutes for almost 24 hours before they got closer together again which was mentally very tough and for me much harder than active labour where you’re able to get in the zone and know you’re almost ready to meet your baby!
I had a TENS machine and would use again for future labours. I also used a hot water bottle over clothing for early labour and the birth ball to try and get comfortable as I didn’t feel up to walking.
I had a pethidine to help me sleep in the Birth Centre but this coincided with me going into active labour as it kicked in, so I still wasn’t able to sleep but I think it relaxed me into going into the next phase of labour!
The birth pool and hypnobirthing were the two main tools I used for active labour with some gas and air which is good but only takes the edge off, it doesn’t take away much of the feeling.
Sheer relief and also a bit of delirium if I’m totally honest!
The first days are a blur after the birth. Feeding was tricky to begin with as I’m breastfeeding and it took a few days to get a good latch but the tips we learned from HPHB definitely helped.
Showing up for my son everyday no matter how little sleep!
Broken sleep- even though it’s normal because newborns need to wake up to eat it’s very tiring.
Persevering with breastfeeding.
Just how beautiful it is to watch your baby hit their first milestones. We had the first gummy smiles and coos this week and its incredible.
Not prepping more meals to go in the freezer and not buying a baby carrier sooner!
Having people you can ask who are a few weeks ahead or behind you is so helpful for recommendations but more importantly for support.
A button down nightdress. You can wear it the whole time you’re in hospital and it’s easy for skin to skin or breast/chest feeding if that’s how you’re choosing to feed your baby.
Sushi.
Sleep sacks, they’re great for transferring baby to their crib without waking them as there isn’t the same temperature change.
I made a nappy cart with nappies, wipes, spare sleep suits etc so we have a little changing station and it’s brilliant for having everything handy in the night.
Make the most of being just a couple while you can with dates, walks, spending quality time because you’ll more than likely be too busy and having to divide and conquer the chores, baby duties etc for a little while
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
Enter your postcode to find your nearest Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes
