the birth of millie : An inspiring story of strength and trusting your instincts

Hey Rosie,

6 weeks later, finally getting around to updating you on the birth of our bub  

Let's just say, my unmedicated water birth didn't go as I'd hoped.

At 39 weeks I was admitted to hospital at 2230pm after figuring out I had been leaking amniotic fluid for a couple of days and experienced a minor bleed post sex (trying to get baby out ) I was popped on IV antibiotics to protect bub and encouraged to have an induction the same night/morning to ensure bubs was at low risk of infection. During my first exam, the doctor let me know I was already 5cm dilated, much to my shock as I had not felt any contractions so far!! 

I had an artificial rupture of membranes and things were moving. The IV syntocinon was commenced at 0215am and boy did things move quickly. The pain went from a comfortable 1/10 to a complete 10/10 in a matter of minutes. I began using the gas for pain relief however I began vomiting shortly after and decided to ditch it. I asked for an epidural to control the pain. The anaesthetist came and popped that in at 0320am. Over the next 30 minutes the pain got more intense and it was evident the epidural had no effect on me. In hindsight I find it a blessing that I got to experience the full brunt of labour. At 0410am I got the unbelievable urge to push! I asked my amazing midwife to check my cervix and low and behold I was all the way to 10. After a couple of position changes and a few grunts later, our girl Millie was born at 0426am. Even though my birth was not how I had anticipated, it was a beautiful experience. I followed my gut and instincts the throughout my labour and made sure I advocated for myself and for my baby. I know it's crazy to say but I'm looking forward to my experience with my next baby! 
​

​​I just want to thank you Rosie on your wonderful Birth Prep course. If Jarryd and I didn't delve in to learning the ins and outs of birth and early parenting with you I don't think we would have coped with our situation as well as we did. Understanding all aspects of birth was crucial for us to remain calm and somewhat in control while going through a labour that I most definitely didn't plan. I was able to advocate for myself and made sure I was informed of everything before it happened. If anyone asks me where to do a birthing course I will most definitely send them your way! 

Millie Thewlis
10/01/23
0426am 
4040 grams
50 cm long 
35 hc

---

---

​Rosie Fitzclarence is a Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse, Childbirth Educator (Geelong Born) and a Hypnobirthing Australia Certified Practitioner.

She is based in Geelong and can be contacted by email at [email protected] or phone 0419170783.

To find out more about Geelong Born Birth Prep private classes via Zoom or face-to-face CLICK HERE