Richard - "The first few weeks of being new parents were much tougher than we imagined."
Stories of support
Jenna’s pregnancy was uneventful, and we were excited about becoming parents. But the birth did not go to plan. We were in hospital for days being induced, and then things began to spin out of control. At some point I really thought I’d lose them both.
Jenna and baby Oscar were ok, but we began parenthood completely exhausted. Over the next few weeks, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Jenna was in a lot of pain from the birth, and breastfeeding was a minefield. Oscar struggled to regain his birth weight and we were pumping round the clock, feeding him, and trying to take care of Jenna’s recovery too. None of us were sleeping and Jenna was alternately tearful and numb. I began to really worry about her and we seemed to get different advice from each person we saw.
Coming to Baby Umbrella made a huge difference. The mix of sensible evidence-based advice, time, and kindness was just what we needed. Every time we visited we both felt really listened to, understood, and we left with a clear plan for the next few days. The groups were a real respite for us in a time that was chaotic and overwhelming.
Over the weeks we visited Baby Umbrella, our situation gradually began to settle. We found a rhythm with feeding that began to feel more manageable and predictable. Jenna got support with her birth injuries that started to reduce both her anxiety and pain. And after a while life began to feel ‘normal’ again. Well, a new normal anyway as a family of three!
"After speaking to anyone at Baby Umbrella, we always felt lighter, more positive and less alone. In a period filled with both physical and emotional pain, they were a genuine oasis of respite.”
For some families, the start of parenthood arrives as the biggest mental and physical challenge they have ever faced. Predictable, calm, kind, easy to access support in the eye of this storm is life-changing.
Stories of support
This story is a fictionalised composite, created from themes and experiences shared across many of the families we support. The short quote is real, but details have been changed to protect privacy.
