A positive labour experience: Lakshmi’s birth story
My pregnancy was generally smooth sailing. I found that doing a pregnancy exercise class twice a week made me feel good! The HPHB course really helped me understand all the things that might happen at the birth. For example, the different interventions, pain relief options, placenta delivery etc. and really useful baby care tips for once the baby was born. It was also great that they provided resources so I could spend the course time listening and not frantically writing! My husband Harry found it really useful to know that other birth partners on the course had the same questions and worries and that everyone was feeling in the same boat!
I was 40+3 when I went into labour. Lakshmi’s birth was harder than expected, due to hyper stimulation of contractions, which meant I had no break between contractions from the start! The epidural was a god send and it was really useful to know when to ask for this. I dilated from 2-10cm in about 6/7 hours, then pushed for 45 minutes and she was here! I was offered an episiotomy and I declined, as we had talked about the healing of this in the course and as it turns out I didn’t need one.
The first time I saw Lakshmi I honestly I felt so exhausted and overwhelmed, I think I was in shock! She was so chilled out and I just held her on me for skin to skin. We requested delayed cord clamping, having been given info on this on the course.
The baby care tips from the course were so useful - I had never heard of topping and tailing before and wouldn’t have had a clue! Lots of things like cleaning, umbilical cord care, breastfeeding tips etc were all invaluable to know before and so useful to have the HPHB resources to refer back to. It was also great to know I had contacts to ask questions if needed.
We would definitely recommend the HPHB course!! It made us feel infinitely more prepared and able to make decisions. It boosted my confidence in giving birth because I felt I knew what could happen and the information I needed for all the scenarios.
Top Tips:
Take it one day at a time!
Everything will feel better after some sleep!
Information and knowledge will make you feel much more in control and prepared
It’s your baby - do what works for you and don’t feel pressured to do what other families are doing!
