Hi Kat,

Hope you’re well.
Our little girl Snow Paloma arrived at home on 22nd November just before midnight.  All went well over a period of 24 hours and we had the natural, drug free birth we hoped for. We were completely alone for all but about 4 hours (2 visits and then a couple of hours of second stage) which was extremely daunting at times but a very bonding experience.. And of course Marie Mongan was with us throughout!! Turns out I’m a very noisy hypno-birther though- not the peaceful types you see on you tube.. But it worked for me! 

You’ll be amused to hear the only thing that helped relieve me throughout labour was the light touch massage!! Who’d have thought… (you probably!). It was an amazing tool. Other than that I didn’t want to be touched except for holding Hofesh’s hand through literally every surge.. He was a hero!

In hindsight we should have invited a friend or doula to be with us as the length of time it all took meant Snow had two incredibly sleep deprived, mal nourished parents to welcome her to the world and a very tough 24 hours followed but amazingly she really embodies the characteristics we discussed- calm, peaceful, kind and extemely alert- and we felt she actually helped us through it. She’s wonderful.

Thank you for all your help and support,  going to bed now as almost zero sleep last night!!

Helen (Hofesh and Snow)
Xx