WELCOME EARLY BIRD!

My pregnancy came to an abrupt end one morning as I was pottering around the house. I was only 34 weeks along. I’d even joked with my hubby the night before that our baby better not arrive too early because we hadn’t prepared anything yet! The nursery wasn’t complete, we hadn’t packed our hospital bags yet, and I hadn’t even started nesting. Contractions came on very quickly and strong, and before we knew it, we were speeding off to the birth clinic. I thought I might even have given birth in the parking lot! When I arrived at the clinic, I was already 9cm dilated. Half an hour later and after not too much pushing, I was holding our

baby Emma in my arms. Hubby saw her crowning, and cut the cord. He even had a good look at my placenta! She weighed 2.8kg and scored 9/10 on her APGAR. I’d like to let all moms know that you’re so much stronger than you think you are. I gave birth naturally, with no pain medication, and it took me completely by surprise that I could do that. You only know how strong you are when you’re put in a situation where you have to be strong! And if I ever have another baby, I would love to give birth naturally again. Thank you Your Pregnancy for the stunning magazine. I still read it (as well as Your Baby magazine). SARIKA NAIDOO, HYDE PARK

I KNOW THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I CAN DO FOR MY BABY IS MAKE SURE I FINISH MY EDUCATION, SO THAT I CAN PROVIDE FOR HER FUTURE