6. Did you do ante-natal classes? If so, were they helpful? I found the classes beneficial because it was priceless to be able to share the experience and grow in confidence with my partner. And I think it definitely made Dave feel more connected with the initial stages of parenthood. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and listen to the questions of other partners and the classes reinforced my confidence in the hospital. The classes were also a wonderful opportunity to make friends with some of the other mums-to-be and now we catch up for walks and coffee and play dates. 7. I understand that the birth didn’t go as expected; do you have any advice for first time mums about creating a birth plan or anything you learned you could share with first time mums who are anxious about labour? I had these grand plans of a drugfree, natural labour but always with the safety of my baby and I as the priority. At five days overdue I went in for a check-up and it turned out that my waters had started to break very slowly and the baby was in foetal distress. I ended up having an emergency caesarean. That taught me that it’s good to have an idea of an ideal birth plan but not to get too attached to expectations. It’s important to listen to your gut and your instincts and to trust the advice of the professionals. In the end, you can’t really plan it and I personally just tried to stay very calm for the baby. 8. What should friends and family buy as presents for a mum who has just given birth? Food! When you get home from the hospital, home-cooked meals are the best gift. For the first few weeks, having someone cook for you, stock the fridge or bring you a meal is the biggest help. Pindara Magazine 54 2017
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Ten
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