Baby Lottie: A pregnancy, birth & postpartum journey

"My labour was really intense really quickly... the midwives met us in the carpark"

"I felt very supported. I felt in control and well prepared"

Emma & Rowan fell pregnant with Lottie when their first daughter was 9 months old and still in a brace after hip dysplasia surgery.

Emma’s pregnancy was complicated by severe nausea and pre-existing cardiac issues. She was able to use hypnosis & visualisation techniques to cope during her labour and describes Lottie's birth as euphoric.

The Beginning

Can you give us a bit of backstory about your family life? How many children do you have, what do you do for work, etc.?

I am a nurse. I now have two children. Before we fell pregnant, our daughter was 9 months old. My husband is a boilermaker.

What sort of emotions did you experience on finding out about this pregnancy? How did you tell your partner?

Excitement! It was planned. We conceived easily and quickly, earlier than we expected so were a little shocked. My period was late, so I took a test. My husband didn't believe me at first, he thought I was joking. We weren't sure how we were going to do 2 under 2!

How was your pregnancy? Were you well overall? Was there anything that happened that you'd like to share?

I was unfortunately not well with severe nausea for the first half of the pregnancy. I have low potassium and ended up in hospital with that and with some pre-existing cardiac issues. I also had reflux, body aches and pains, pelvic instability, vision changes and headaches. My eldest daughter was still in a hip brace from hip dysplasia surgery. She had that removed when she was about 1 and I was a few months pregnant.

Which Wise & Well package option did you choose?

The Birth Preparation Package

Did you see any of our Allied Health team during your pregnancy or postpartum?

No, I didn't as I had previously seen a physio before and had also previously met another LC at the hospital I birthed at.

What tips do you have for other mums for a positive and healthy pregnancy?

Rest. Hydration. Good pregnancy care providers!

The Middle

How did labour start? Was it spontaneous or were you induced?

I had a stretch and sweep at midday and then I had a few random contractions in the early evening. I went to bed and I was still having some random pains that were keeping me awake. I was able to doze between them. They became more regular and strong around midnight. By half past midnight I couldnt lay down anymore. I got up and put my TENS machine on. I then had a bloody show.

Did you utilise any pain relief/techniques/strategies during labour? Did it help?

I used the TENS machine and birth comb as well as heat packs early on. I used a controlled breathing technique to help (inhale through nose, out through mouth). I tried to use my breathing to aid with baby descending and also relaxing my pelvic floor by relaxing my jaw.

How did you feel during labour & birth? Supported? Is there anything that happened that you'd like to share?

I felt very supported. I felt in control and well prepared. I did hypnobirthing specifically for birth preparation, this allowed me to get in the right headspace, visualise and relax. My labour was really intense really quickly. At the 2hr mark I felt like I was coping a little less, then I felt pressure in my bottom, and I knew it was time to go to the hospital. We flew to the hospital and called them on the way. The midwives met us in the carpark.

What was the most helpful thing for you during labour and birth? Was there anything your support person did that worked well? Any tips for other mums/partners?

Hypnosis and my partner's support. The midwives helped us to create a calm environment, allowing us to transition seamlessly from home into the hospital.

How did you feel immediately after your child was born? How was your support person/partner?

Amazing and euphoric! Really happy and a great sense of achievement. Content that everything went exactly how we wanted. My partner was really happy and excited too, also relieved that we got to the hospital in time.

The End (AKA The start of your next chapter)

How have you been adjusting to life with your new little person? How has your feeding journey been?

Well overall. Much more relaxed this time around. Ive experienced PND which was challenging. Im feeling so much better since seeking support. The turnaround was quite quick. My daughter's feeding journey has been overall better. we had that nice, protected time after birth which made a real difference. We were both allowed to do our own thing. She latched herself and fed on her own which was nice. We've had some great support from osteo and LC to work through tongue, lip and cheek ties issues. We ended up having these lasered which made a huge positive impact on our feeding journey immediately. We are still happily breastfeeding.

What are your tips you have for other mums for a positive, supported and healthy postpartum journey?

Having a known midwife! The same person visiting made me feel comfortable. The postpartum season needs more focus and recognition of how big the experience really is. We isolate mums when they have a newborn, but we should be raising kids together as a community- women all helping each other.

Historically, there was no pressure for women to do anything outside the home. I went to university to get a degree, and I want to use my skills but also be at home and be present for my children. It's such a conflicting time and feeling to have.

Thank you to Emma & Rowan for sharing their beautiful story with us.

Each birth & postpartum experience unfolds differently, go gently.

Please reach out if you would like to discuss your own birth experience with us.