Georgie
The Birth of
Darcie Rose Brown
Born on the 8th of May 2023
at
3.32 am
56m long
9lb
Welcome to the world, Darcie Rose! She is an absolutely adorable little daughter for Georgie and Mason and a sister to a very excited big brother, Luca.
I hope Georgie’s story inspires other women to believe in their ability to birth their babies. To be brave, to ask questions, and to do your research. Know that you are the expert on your body.
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers—strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength." —Barbara Katz Rothman
This brave young woman defied all the odds continually stacked against her at the end of her pregnancy. Georgie had worked so hard emotionally, physically, and educationally to achieve a physiological labour and birth.
Georgie had been preparing diligently to achieve a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean with their son Luca.
However, By the end of her pregnancy, her baby was not cooperating.
Georgie was told on many occasions that the chances of her achieving a VBAC were very slim, with a caesarean section always looming in the background.
Georgie's baby was doing his or her own thing. Some weeks, the baby was engaged and in an optimal position, and then the next time, the baby would be coming out of the pelvis and turning posterior. It was like being on an emotional rollercoaster.
At about 40 weeks and ten days, Georgie’s baby moved backward from Georgie's pelvis and turned posterior. Time was running out, and Georgie's body was not showing signs that she was ready to give birth to her baby. Medical systems don't really feel comfortable with women going to 42-week gestation with no sign of a baby being engaged. As Georgie was getting close to 42 weeks, her amniotic fluid levels had dropped. On a positive note, we have one really happy baby and one determined mother that wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Georgie intuitively knew her body needed time. She had all the tools to try and help her baby engage and turn. Georgie also believed in her ability to give birth if she could wait. Georgie trusted birth. In the end, she was advised that there needed to be an end date. A caesarean was booked for Friday, the 5th of May, if Georgie didn’t go into spontaneous labour. Georgie was experiencing contractions most nights, but all would go quiet come morning. On the day of the planned caesarean, Mason, Georgie, and I met at 7 am at the hospital. We had the night to grieve and process that Georgie would not be trying for a vaginal birth. Feeling defeated, Georgie tried her hardest to come to terms with the fact that she had exhausted all her avenues. We were now thinking of the positives and focusing on the joy of meeting their baby.
All through the night before, Georgie had been experiencing sensations. When Georgie shared this with me, I felt excited that maybe her baby had engaged in her pelvis overnight. Georgie had definitely felt a shift. But was it too late? Georgie was to meet her very supportive OB in theatre as she was the first cab off the rank this morning. A midwife quickly said, “You're bumped to second, Georgie. Another woman had broken her waters and is in labour, she will go up first.” Georgie was upset, this was what she had been praying would happen to her.
What would play out after this was like being given a golden ticket. Georgie’s OB came to see us; I prompted Georgie, and so did the lovely young midwife, to ask her Obstetrician to examine her to see what those contractions may have achieved overnight. A wish came true. Georgie’s baby was well engaged and snuggled into her pelvis, still posterior but well and truly in there. What happens now?
After a group discussion of all the pros and cons of both scenarios, we are back on the rollercoaster of emotions and decision-making time again for Georgie. Georgie decides she is not wasting this Golden ticket. We pick up our bags, and with new hope and a spring in our step, we almost float out the door. Georgie’s obstetrician also feels this is the right decision for Georgie.
The caesarean is officially cancelled.
Georgie’s obstetrician won’t be on over the weekend. If she goes into labour, she must advocate strongly for herself.
Georgie had negotiated her birth map with her obstetrician. This birth map will enable Georgie the best chance at a physiological birth and is well-researched and supported by evidence, but not all of it is in line with the policies or the culture of the LGH.
“There is always light if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” - Amanda Gorman.
Georgie's Birth Story, The Golden Ticket Part 2
May 5th, 2023
Georgie's decision to wait for a vaginal birth despite concerns and doubts expressed by others may have been seen as idealistic or risky. However, she made brave and informed choices based on education and trust in her body and baby. Georgie had to overcome fears and worries about making the right decisions, especially when faced with concerns about low amniotic fluid levels, the baby's position, and maybe, an aging placenta. The word "Risk" was frequently mentioned. Still, Georgie, with the support of her care provider and her support team, put risk into perspective by considering her overall health, her baby's wellbeing, and the latest research on these issues.
Georgie's Obstetrician will not be working on the coming weekend. She is in full support of Georgie's decision. Georgie's Obstetrician agrees it is the best decision for Georgie. She wishes her all the best and reminds her to advocate for herself during labour.
Mason, Georgie's supportive partner, trusts and supports Georgie's decisions, even though he hasn't done as much research as she has. Georgie was determined to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) and recognised the courage it took to stand up for herself and her baby in the face of opposition.
VBAC – Very brave and courageous, not because it is risky to give birth, but because it takes courage to stand up for yourself and your baby in prebound opposition.
May 5th
Throughout the night, Georgie and I keep in contact through text messages. Georgie is experiencing sensations that would come close together and then fade, but she manages to stay comfortable with the help of the tens machine and her birth ball.
On May 6th, I arrived at Georgie's and Mason's home around 4 am as her sensations got stronger and closer together. But, of course, once I came, they slowed down. So, after chatting, we all decided to have a few hours of sleep.
Little Luca wakes up this morning with a visitor in the house. He isn't sure what to think about it all. Luca's Gran calls in to collect him. Luca will happily stay with his grandparents until the new baby makes their debut.
8.30 am Georgie had agreed to undergo daily monitoring and spent until lunchtime with Mason at the LGH. Georgie must convince the midwives to listen to her and not solely rely on the monitor. Their baby was also experiencing accelerations in their heart rate. Eventually, their baby's heart rate settled, and Georgie and Mason could finally go home. Georgie could then perform spinning baby exercises and other rituals before going to bed and trying to get some sleep later in the day with her trusty tens machine.
In the evening, Georgie planned to do her exercise routines and use her moxa sticks with Mason. Georgie notices that she has lost some of her mucus plug, a positive sign of progress.
On May 7th, throughout the night and into the early morning, Georgie continues to experience sensations. She manages them in bed with her tens machine or by taking warm baths; water is Georgie's favourite form of relaxation and pain relief.
Around 7 am, I visit Georgie and Mason's home, bringing Georgie breakfast, lactation balls, and a nourishing lunch. Recognising the amount of work Georgie is putting in, I feel she needs extra sustenance before her postpartum period. Georgie feels her baby has moved during the night. We can feel what we think is a bottom on the side of her tummy. We perform our spinning babies exercises before they head to the LGH for monitoring.
Georgie and Mason initially thought they would return home, but we all decided it was safer to take everything with them, just in case.
9.30 am
Throughout her time on the monitors at the LGH, Georgie faces scepticism from the medical staff, but she remains positive and focused. Despite being told she would likely end up with a cesarean, Georgie's baby has started to turn into a better position. She experiences progress with sensations, losing more of her mucus plug and having sensations. However, the doubts about her body's ability to give birth vaginally persist.
The Obstetrician who will be on this weekend comes to see Georgie; he does believe she is experiencing sensations. He wants her to stay in the hospital and be monitored until she has her baby. Georgie is again reminded of the risks of a uterine rupture. Thankfully Georgie is very aware of all her risks and has them in perspective.
I am nervous that Georgie is in a space where no one believes in her; I want to go up and see her. So I arrive and catch up with them both in their private postnatal room around noon.
Once I arrive, Georgie's sensations start to ramp up. Georgie has her tens machine on; we set up the birth cub on the bed so Georgie can lean onto it while standing; we have one foot on a yoga block, a heat pack for her back, jellybeans, and hydrolyte to keep Georgie hydrated. Georgie has also been loving my two squeezy balls and the birth comb. So we have it all going on here.
She is dipping the hip in between sensations, a manoeuvre that helps babies into a good position. We are pulling out everything we can to avoid the cascade of interventions. We are an incredible team. Mason and I 100% believe in Georgie. Mason and I time Georgie's sensations -they are 4 min apart, lasting for a minute for the next hour. When I share this update with a midwife, we are moved into the labour ward. Georgie has requested a room with a bath. Not usually an option for women attempting a VBAC. Georgie had already discussed this with her Obstetrician during prenatal appointments, and she agreed that Georgie could use the bath.
The gender of this little baby is a surprise. But, Mason and I guess a baby girl, Georgie, changes her mind and thinks she may have a baby boy snuggled up inside her tummy.
1.30 pm We are well and truly settled in our room and have set up our music and diffuser and shut the blinds. We hand over Georgie's birth map. It is imperative that everyone who is going to be part of Georgie's labour and birth knows what is essential to Georgie. The room is quiet and dark; we have a soft ambience in our room with the help of our fairy lights. The birth cub is up on the bed. Mason and I can support Georgie to feel safe and listen to her body as she sways and breathes through each sensation. All the comfort tools that we have are in good use.
Georgie has opted for a new wireless monitor to monitor her baby continuously. We are grateful that we have one very happy baby. Labour is not bothering this precious baby at all.
3.50 pm Georgie is in good spirits, so much so she is happy for us to help her perform our spinning baby's routine to balance Georgie's body and to make space for baby to keep moving into an optimal position, followed by some acupressure at 5.30 pm to encourage strong sensations. This combination works so well that the intensity of her sensations is defiantly building. Georgie's trust in her body and her baby remains unwavering.
We have special affirmation cards that I read out to Georgie before each sensation.
These are gentle and positive reminders of how amazing our birthing bodies are.
The opportunity to experience physiological labour is a true gift for Georgie. She knows that her body is not a lemon but a powerful vessel capable of bringing life into the world. She worked so hard to get to this point. Now is her time to shine.
Georgie is like a true birthing Goddess, anointed in essential birth oils, with Mason and I massaging Georgie and making sure she drinks and snacks on jellybeans.
Mason is such a calming presence; Georgie and I are so proud of how much Mason believes in Georgie and will support her in every decision she makes. He knows that Georgie knows her body and her baby better than anyone.
Georgie had declined any recommendation for a vaginal exam at this point. We know that her labour is moving in the right direction. We also know that her baby needs time to continue to rotate into an optimal position. Georgie's body won't be dilating at any fast pace.
We don't wish to be on a hospital timeline. Georgie is happy with midwifery care and has declined a visit from the Obstetrician on call tonight.
6.15 pm
With the support of her birth team, Georgie has created a peaceful environment in her labour room, utilising music, diffusers, and soft lighting. She uses various comfort tools, including the birth cub, yoga block, heat pack, jellybeans, and hydrolyte, and receives massages and affirmations from myself and Mason. Georgie's labour is progressing steadily; she chooses to move into the bath despite the challenges of a stuck plug and the monitoring equipment limitations. The monitor on her tummy doesn't work if it gets wet.
Mason and I bucket out the water as it cools.
We concentrate and what we can control and not what we can't. We will be inventive.
So, Georgie labours, standing in the bath, kneeling, and lunging. We prop the birth cub on the edge of the bath so Georgie can lean into it. Mason and I both have a job, one of us massages her head, and the other uses the back massager to rub her back. We keep reminding Georgie to drink, especially now that she uses the Gas to help her through these intense sensations.
Georgie also wants me to braid her hair like I did at Lucas's birth. Georgie has the most beautiful auburn hair. Honestly, when women are left undisturbed in labour, they do their best work, and they also look just like birthing goddesses. I can see Georgie focusing on her breath and drawing on all the strengths she has as a woman surrounded by love and support.
So far, mother nature is leading the way, and Georgie knows she can trust her. Any fears that Georgie may have had around coping with physiological labour are now at rest. However, Georgie also knows that to give herself the best chance, she must avoid an epidural, as if her labour slows down, due to how epidurals react with hormones and restrict mobility, which can also affect labour progress. In addition, Georgie will not be able to access Syntocinon to artificially boost her sensations due to having birthed with a previous cesarean.
What Georgie can engage with for pain relief is Gas. And this is her new best friend.
A woman in birth is at once her most powerful and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know." ~Marcie Macari~
8 pm
We are becoming very inventive; we immerse a plastic chair into the bath so Georgie can sit and rest her legs. Mason keeps up with the back massager. We use positive words of encouragement. The Gas and the squeeze balls enable Georgie to connect with her mind and her baby.
Time seems to lose meaning as Georgie enters a deep state of focus and surrender. She tunes in to her body's wisdom, following its lead and allowing the sensations to guide her. Each surge brings her baby closer, and Georgie feels excitement and anticipation.
9 pm
Our midwife feels Georgie's sensations; they are now the strongest she has touched. So Georgie is now considered, on paper, as moving into active labour.
10.15 pm
Georgie rests and changes positions in the water, using various comfort measures. Georgie trusts her body and feels ready to meet her baby. As the labour progresses, it becomes evident that Georgie is closer to giving birth.
Georgie has lots of pressure in her bottom, vagina, and back. Georgie shares that she can feel her cervix opening and her baby moving down. It is at this time the intensity of her baby moving down really builds intense sensations and pressure. We have two midwives in the room with us currently.
Our midwife is confident in water birth; we were told earlier that no midwives tonight could assist in a water birth. Georgie is still determining what she may feel like doing, but knowing she has options now is refreshing.
Georgie's labour continues; she feels the pressure and opening of her cervix. She stands up and, leaning into the midwives, voices firmly and loudly that she is choosing to fully submerge herself in the water, despite initial objections from the medical staff.
As the midwives help Georgie to completely submerge herself into the depths of the bath, off goes the continuous monitoring.
I'm sure the Obstetrician who receives updates from the midwives, as he has yet to be invited into Georgie's safe birthing space, is unhappy.
Georgie voices that her baby has been so happy her whole labour, and she has no concerns about having intermittent monitoring with the Doppler. So the midwives continuously monitor Georgie and her baby using a Doppler, ensuring that both are in good health. Georgie's determination and confidence inspire our midwives, who are amazed by her resilience and commitment to a vaginal birth after a cesarean. So they continue to support her choices and provide the necessary care and monitoring.
The Policies and procedures are then reread to Georgie and Mason. Our midwife will document Georgie and Mason's decisions. They unanimously agree they are more than content with their decision. There is no way this birthing goddess is moving from her new position at this moment in time.
11.30 pm
Georgie's midwife assesses her progress in the bath the best she can. her opinion is that their baby is low in the pelvis, and her cervix may be almost fully dilated.
12 am
Since emerging fully into the water, Georgie's sensation has some space between them. Georgie takes this opportunity to rest, moving between on all fours and floating on her side. Georgie doesn't take the advice of the midwife to float on her back as she has worked far too hard to give her baby any opportunity to turn posterior again. However, Georgie knows her baby and feels her baby would jump at the chance to move if given the opportunity.
Georgie is voicing that she is ready to meet her baby. Georgie's sacrum is bulging as it's moving out of the way for her baby. I can see the purple line on her bottom, a visual cue that the baby is moving closer to the exit. Mason applies pressure to her sacrum for pain relief, and I massage Georgie's head.
12.47 am on May 8th
Georgie hasn't birthed her baby; she is feeling exhausted.
Georgie knows all the different breathing techniques, and she puts them to good use. Georgie feels like she may consider some morphine for pain relief and an opportunity to sleep. Georgie looks at me and says, "I am so tired". I know she is; Georgie has been amazing; I am so proud of her. I also know Georgie will power on through this phase, as she has overcome many bumps in her birth map to get here.
This is what she came here for. And she won't give up now.
There is a moment when every woman thinks, "I can't do this." Then, if she is lucky, she has a midwife, a doula, or her mum to whisper in her ear, "You are doing it."
12.47 am
We help Georgie out of the bath as she feels like a change of scenery may be helpful; Georgie is ready for her sensations frequency to move closer together again. Georgie has also agreed to one assessment with our midwife. This assessment will help Georgie know how she may wish to move forward. Our midwife informs Georgie she is 9cm dilated.
This news brings tears to my eyes; I know this is exactly what Georgie needed to hear; she never again mentions pain relief. Our midwife does mention breaking the waters if Georgie would like her to. We discuss the pros and the cons of this. Georgie decides that she will agree, hoping it works in her favour and encouraging her body to birth her baby sooner.
For someone that was told she has low amniotic fluid levels, Georgie exclaims, there is a lot of water here.
Georgie's sensations are getting stronger.
Georgie is getting so close to reaching her personal goal. Our midwife is very encouraging and supportive. She expresses that she may be able to flip the last bit of the cervix away with the following contractions. The Novi monitor is back in action now that we are out of the water. This news will keep all at the front desk happy; they can now see what's going on without waiting for our midwife to give them an update.
1.24 am
Mason and I have been making sure Georgie is as comfortable as possible, keeping up with our head and back massages. Georgie has urges to bear down with her sensations. Georgie is using different positions on the bed to see what feels suitable for her.
2.24 am
Georgie has been concentrating on listening to her body and working with urges to bring her baby down. Georgie is expressing she is getting exhausted and struggling to find extra energy and rhythm to continue to keep going. Georgie's heart rate is getting high. We are all gently encouraging Georgie and making sure we continue with our comfort measures.
When a woman gives birth, she must reach down inside herself and give more than she thought she had. The limits of her existence are stretched.
Our midwife is concerned about Georgie's high heart rate and voices to her that she needs to work harder to birth her baby soon. Baby's heart rate for the first time starts to rise. Thankfully, the baby settles down again after a short period of time.
As I have mentioned, Georgie has excellent intuition; she feels like she would like some help with the ventouse as she is exhausted and feels her pushing is insufficient to give birth to her baby soon. The midwife believes Georgie can do it without assistance, Georgie continues to give it her all, but she feels the baby is not moving.
The Obstetrician will now be invited into Georgie's sacred space. Our midwife words Georgie up; you must listen to the Obstetrician and do as he asks of you.
Our safe bubble has been broken, and the vibe in the room changes.
Georgie feels extremely nervous as caesarean section, a big baby with shoulder dystocia, and going to the theatre are all mentioned before exams. Georgie voices, "Don't take me upstairs; I will have trauma". Georgie also says, "My last baby was nearly 42 weeks, and he wasn't a big baby. I just need some help in this room". He gives no guarantees.
Georgie looked at me; she shared with me later that she could see the worry on my face. My heart was pounding. "Please baby, come soon" Georgie reluctantly moves into a more of a sitting position on her back. After a vaginal exam, the Obstetrician wants Georgie's baby to move down a little further before he is comfortable to help Georgie with the ventouse. Georgie's body is working with incredible strength and determination. The room is filled with a mix of anticipation and awe as we witness the power of a woman working hard to bring life into the world.
There is a new wind in our birthing goddesses' sails; there is no way that Georgie has come this far to go to theatre now. But, within two mighty pushes, Georgie's baby is right there. The Obstetrician congratulates Georgie on her efforts.
We are elated as hope fills our hearts and the room once again. The Obstetrician agrees he can help Georgie do some of the work with the ventouse.
Georgie's efforts reach a crescendo as the room is filled with anticipation and awe. With each surge, Georgie feels the intensity of her baby's descent. We all reassure her, reminding her of her strength and the progress she has made.
And then, at 3:32 am, after only two powerful pushes, surrounded by love and support, their precious baby happily makes their debut in the perfect OA position with no shoulder dystocia. The room fills with joy and celebration as their baby emerges, welcomed into a world that has been eagerly awaiting their arrival. Georgie reaches down, and her midwife helps place their baby on Georgie's chest.
Georgie and Mason gaze at their precious newborn, overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude. The journey they embarked on together, with trust, education, and unwavering belief in Georgie's body, has brought them to this beautiful moment of triumph. I feel tears streaming down my face with love and pride at all Georgie has achieved. She did it!
At that moment, all doubts, fears, and challenges fade away. Georgie has achieved her goal of a vaginal birth after a cesarean, defying the odds and proving that she had always believed in the power of her body.
As the room fills with the sounds of their baby's first cries, Georgie and Mason embrace the magic of this transformative experience. They savour the precious moments of skin-to-skin contact, feeling the warmth and connection that only a parent and child can share.
After Georgie catches her breath, we ask her, "Who do you have here?" Georgie lifts her up, and Mason and Georgie discover they have a little daughter and a sister for Luca. We also notice that their healthy baby is a decent-sized chubby bundle of love. As we know, birth is not complete without the birth of the placenta. I remind Georgie this one has no bones, and Georgie births one very healthy-looking placenta.
In the quiet early morning hours, Georgie, Mason, and their newborn bask in the glow of this transformative experience. They are both grateful for the safe and empowering birth they have shared.
As the sun rises, a new chapter begins for this family, forever marked by the incredible journey of bringing their baby into the world. And as they embark on this new adventure, they carry with them the strength, wisdom, and love that only a birth experience like Georgie's can bring.
Georgie's birth journey has been challenging, but her bravery, determination, and trust in her body have brought her to this beautiful outcome. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of women and the incredible capacity of the human body.
Georgie's birth story serves as a reminder that every woman deserves to be supported, respected, and empowered in her birth choices. It highlights the importance of informed decision-making, evidence-based care, and a supportive birth team.
Birth is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous -no matter how many times you see it. So welcome to the world, Darcie Rose Brown; you were defiantly worth waiting for.
Darcie Rose Brown
Born on May 8th, 2023
Weight 9lb
Length 53. cm
Born at 3.32 am
What a rollercoaster of a journey we have been on.
We both shed so many tears in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. We are thankfully ending in tears of Joy. What a rollercoaster of a journey we have all shared.
Thank you, Georgie and Mason, for trusting in me for a second time to be part of your remarkable and empowering birth story xxxxx