The Partner's View - Autumn's Mummy
Guest Series

The Partner’s View – Autumn’s Mummy

I’m really excited to introduce the lovely Laura from Autumn’s Mummy, and her husband Dave to my guest series – The Partner’s View. Here Dave talks openly about his thoughts and feeling in the lead up to the birth, and during the birth of his daughter Autumn. As parents we know that this is an exciting and anxious time, with often a lot of worrying involved. I love hearing how the partner feels, as they can often be forgotten or “unheard”. So that’s why I set-up this guest series to capture how it feels to not be the one who’s pregnant or in labour. I really hope you enjoy reading Laura and Dave’s story.

1. What were your thoughts and feelings leading up to the birth of your child?

I was excited and scared. Not scared that I was going to be a Daddy, but scared about labour because I was worried about Laura. I couldn’t wait to be a Daddy though, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to meet my baby. I’ve always wanted to have a proper little family!

2. As a birth partner, how did you prepare for the birth?

I went to classes at the hospital with Laura and tried to take a mental note of everything that I needed to do to support her. The main thing I had to do was remind myself that I needed to keep calm throughout her labour.

3. Tell us a little about your partners birth?

Her birth pretty much followed our birth plan. As far as I know, judging from other labour stories I’ve heard, her labour went fairly smoothly. I found it difficult to try and help Laura and do what was needed because I found it difficult seeing her in pain. I wasn’t surprised that I felt like that though, as I was expecting to feel like that. I was really proud of how well she handled it all and when our little one came out it was magical and lovely to see our cute and sticky baby, (she was covered in vernix), and had huge eyes.

4. What were you most afraid of during your partner’s birth?

I was mainly worried about Laura being in pain and being unable to cope with it. But I was also worried I was going to be that one unlucky man who needs the toilet and holds it off and holds it off but then eventually goes and misses the baby coming out!

5. What was the best and most positive part of your partners birth?

Finally getting to meet our baby and the fact that she was such a happy calm little baby, and had the correct amount of toes and everything!

6. How did you support your partner and baby after the birth?

I took all my turns doing nappy changing and doing cuddles. Obviously, I couldn’t do it myself, but I did my best to support Laura with breastfeeding. For example, I’d bring her muslin cloths as well as drinks and snacks to keep her going.

7. What advice would you give to a birthing partner?

Make sure that you go to the antenatal classes beforehand! Don’t just let your partner go and tell you about it later, go yourself. When it comes to the actual birth, just keep a calm head and keep talking to them if you think they need you to be supportive. If they want a hug, give them a hug. If you feel like they’d benefit from a joke, tell them one. If you stay calm, they’re more likely to stay calm.

A bit about Laura

“I’m Laura, 25, Mummy of one beautiful and amazing little girl called Autumn who was born in September 2016. I’m happily married to Dave, who is a bit of a weirdo (to quote Alice in Wonderland: “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are”). Laura has a passion for writing and very eclectic tastes; from childcare to cheese and from make-up to metal, you can expect to see a whole lot of different topics covered on her blog.”

You can find Laura here on her blog, on Twitter, and on Instagram

The Partner's View - Autumn's Mummy

Thank you so much Laura and Dave for taking part in my guest series. If you would like to take part in my guest series, then just drop me an email at thepramshedblog@gmail.com

Claire x

 

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