We are Sarah and Callum and we are proud parents to Rory. We took the Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes in Leigh-on-Sea.
After nearly three years on our fertility journey and a round of IVF, we were thrilled to be expecting. I was lucky to avoid morning sickness, though the final weeks brought heartburn and aching hips. A small VSD in Rory’s heart was detected at the 20-week scan, leading to extra monitoring and some stress, but the care we received was excellent, and the hole thankfully closed soon after birth. HPHB helped us feel well-prepared, especially regarding birth preferences and hospital packing.
In the delivery suite at the hospital. There was some air con which was very welcome as it was the hottest day of the year and the lighting was perfect and calming so I was comfortable there.
As it was an IVF pregnancy, induction at 40 weeks was planned. I was already having tightenings, so things progressed quickly once induced—my waters broke 12 hours later, and Rory arrived just four hours after that. It was the birth I’d hoped for, though faster and much more intense than expected so I didn’t have time to think about the playlist and additional pain relief. The midwives and Callum were incredible though and kept me grounded throughout.
Breathing 4/5 – Helped to ground me throughout and Callum was great at coaching me through it.
Dihydrocodeine 1/5 – Didn’t seem to make the contractions easier and made me queasy.
Gas and air 3.5/5 – Helped me through the latter stages and pushing but only if I timed it well as the contraction started.
Absolutely elated. I couldn’t believe he was finally here. We’d really done it.
The first few days were a joyful blur with plenty of learning. Breastfeeding took some adjustment, but we soon found our rhythm. Recovery was smooth, though slower than expected. My favourite moments were Callum and I soaking up new parenthood together. Knowing how to swaddle from the HPHB course was also a lifesaver during a few rough nights.
Getting out and about with Rory in the first few days. It was daunting but it really helped me when Callum returned to work as it gave me the confidence I needed.
Cluster feeding for two nights in a row in the first week. I’ve never felt tiredness like it but we got through it!
Watching Rory interact with others. He’s such a smiler and it makes me proud every time.
The recovery time following a vaginal birth (I had stitches for a second degree tear).
Less Googling in the early days may have helped me feel a little less anxious.
It’s great having a group to lean on and realising I’m not alone in my late night Googling and anxieties definitely helped!
A wearable fan. Having my hands free and a fan that wasn’t pointing directly at Rory was a life saver as it was the hottest day of the year.
Fizzy sweets! I’d been careful about sugar intake during pregnancy so this was the best.
Muslins! Rory spits up a fair amount so we can never have enough muslins. We also got a great baby sensory kit.
Electric nail file and Angelcare motion sensor for the cot. This really helped me to sleep without waking up every few minutes to check Rory’s breathing.
Make the most of the support available! I’ve seen health visitors, visited the breastfeeding clinic, and used a local sling library to trial carriers. There are so many great (and often free) resources—physio, mental health support, and more—so take advantage of them.
Free downloadable resources and weekly guides for your pregnancy.
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