In answer to “Did you feel prepared for your birth following your birthing/antenatal/preparation for birth classes?” Most definitely. Verona took my antenatal classes at Credit Suisse (my employer) and covered pregnancy, birthing, breastfeeding, etc. Whilst I had read much of the contents in books, I appreciated her personal touch and insights, and Verona’s relaxed approach was especially helpful – encouraging us to take the situation as it comes (essential for me given that until labour and looking after a baby I’d been used running my life by a plan!).

In answer to “What points did you find especially useful”:

* Tip to not buy any formula “just in case” if you intend to try breastfeeding – I used the logic behind this to convince my husband not to buy formula “just in case” and Annabel is still breastfeeding nicely after six weeks.

* Tip to eat a banana late afternoon / early evening to prevent leg cramp.

* BRAIN – Whilst we didn’t use this, it was reassuring to have this logic.

* Warning that if I collected my stem cells, I’d probably need active management of my third stage of labour stage (rather than my preference of a natural third stage).

* Recommendation of Lansinoh brand lanolin whilst breastfeeding.

In answer to “What else I could be taught in the classes”, although not essential information, I would have found the following helpful:

* Knowledge on any risks of the injection to stop sickness during labour.

* Tip to use savoy cabbage leaves placed on breasts when milk comes in.

* Warning that some Council’s Register Offices are very slow (eg Four weeks for an appointment), so if you need a birth certificate quickly, consider booking an appointment to register your child’s birth prior to you giving birth.

Thank you Verona for your knowledge and support. I enjoyed the majority of my pregnancy, labour/birth and motherhood, and your classes contributed to this.