Stephanie from Harrogate, Mother to Oscar 20 months and Cameron born August 2009

Being an older mum (40 when I had our first son Oscar Nov 2007) and after having had an emergency caesarean then, I was determined to make life as traumatic free and calm as possible second time round in August 2009.  I wanted to be as proactive as possible to make life easy. Also very aware that there would be quite a small age gap between the 2 children and things were likely to be rather more hectic post natally this time.

I was lucky enough to meet Rachel quite a few months before our second birth, and she was so helpful and proactive it was very encouraging. I opted to have help in the post natal period, when I envisaged issues arising - mainly with coping with a new baby and a toddler who was ready to loose his nappies (before I was ready) and just starting to talk.

 

I did have a second emergency caesarean but coped much better this time. Partly as I knew what to expect but a large part was thanks to Rachel too.  I went into labour a couple of days after my due date and had the operation mainly due to slow progress and the fact that Cameron (our second son) was a huge baby for my rather small body. Unlike with our first son, this 'emergency ' was far less traumatic and I had an hour to prepare for it rather than 5 minutes. The possibility of having another op was also always on the backburner. (when first time round I had never considered it an option) Anyway once we were home, Rachel was an extremely calming influence and arrived for our first postnatal session with a delicious meal that was most welcome amongst the chaos. She was so helpful with reminding me and showing me about bathing the baby and taking me to the surgery to have my stitches out. I felt immediately at ease with her and confident at leaving both my sons with her so I could have a break.   If I was to have another child, (highly unlikely), I would definitely ask Rachel for her help again. It was invaluable.