An Australian mother has revealed what it was like to give birth naturally to three ‘big’ babies – without any pain relief or medication.
Jessica Low, 30, from Sydney, is the mother of Penny, four, Josie, two and John, one, who ranged in weight between 4.45 kilograms (9.8lb) and 5.42 kilograms (11.9lb) when they were born.
All three of the babies were well above the Australian average for newborns, which is 3.5 kilograms (7.5lb).
Jessica Low, from Sydney, said to FEMAIL her experience was ‘normal’ and not dramatic compared to big screen portrayals of birth. Pictured at full-term while pregnant with John
Ms Low said she had the same midwife to help during Penny and Josie’s delivery, who had a difference in weight of almost a kilogram. Pictured: Josie on the scales at 5.41kg
Ms Low said she managed the pain of the birth using deep breathing, rather than taking an epidural.
‘I know other women may say natural for them is to have an epidural, but that’s not for me,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
She said that giving birth to a big baby is no different than giving birth to an average sized one, saying she has had friends birth babies weighing less than 3.5 kilograms who have had extremely difficult births.
‘I have my own theory that pushing out big babies is easier, because if you’re in the right position, gravity is on your side,’ she said.
However, she said carrying the babies in the last few months can be difficult, and she admitted experiencing a lot of back pain during her third pregnancy.
Ms Low had the same midwife to help during Penny and Josie’s delivery, whose weight difference was almost one kilogram.
She said that giving birth to a big baby is no different than giving birth to an average size baby, saying she has had friends birth babies less than 3.5 kilograms who have had extremely difficult births. Baby John pictured with Josie
‘She just couldn’t believe it,’ Ms Low said.
‘She had a 4.9 kilogram baby herself, so she understands big babies.
‘I think we were just surprised as well because I was measuring the same as I was with Penny so we didn’t expect a whole extra kilogram.’
Ms Low was inspired by her sister’s home birth and was amazed that a woman could do that so she planned to also have a natural home birth for her third pregnancy.
‘Before I gave birth for the first time I was of the mindset that a c-section might be easier – why push a baby out of your vagina when you could cut it out and not have to go through that? She said.
Ms Low had a home birth (pictured) for the birth of her third child John, who weighed 5.42kg at birth
But now she has given birth to her three little ones she doesn’t believe that is something she would choose for herself.
Ms Low was lucky to have three smooth births and while there were no complications, she wouldn’t describe the process as ‘easy’.
‘I found my second the hardest because it came on so quickly,’ she said.
She said her husband encouraged her to go to the hospital earlier than she had planned, and halfway there she began pushing.
Ms Low said her water broke in front of people as she made her way to the birthing suite and while in the lift she squatted as she had a contraction, frightening those around her into thinking she would give birth right there.
She said she was inspired by her sister’s home birth and was amazed that a woman could do that so she endeavored to also have a natural birth. Penny with her newborn sister Josie, who weighed 5.41kg at birth
While she has had a good experience each time she has given birth she did agree at the end of the day she did give birth and it isn’t always easy. ‘I found my second the hardest because it came on so quickly,’ she said. Pictured full-term pregnant and in labour with Josie
This is why she opted for a home birth for her third child.
‘Being at home in my own space was so relaxing and safe. I didn’t have that horrible car ride to the hospital,’ she said.
Ms Low added that she probably would have had John at home anyway as she always had spontaneous births.
In terms of recovery after her first birth she had to get three stitches, however with Josie and John she required no stitches.
Ms Low even gave tips for those who are considering a natural birth.
Ms Low added that she probably would have had John at home anyway as she always had spontaneous births. Pictured at full-term with John
In terms of recovery after her first birth she had to get three stitches, however with Josie and John she needed none at all. Pictured: John being held by his older sister Penny
She said the best thing she did was the calm birth course.
‘It really helped me because it is about natural birth but say you end up having an emergency c-section the whole course is about being calm within yourself,’ she said.
‘You can do it no matter what is happening, even if it isn’t your plan.’
Ms Low added that you should research and learn so you can ask the right questions.
Ms Low said it is also important to take it cautiously as hearing inspiring birth stories or traumatic ones can be damaging. At 40 weeks with her third child
She said she knows people can be down on birth plans but she said they are like a preference.
‘For instance if I was to be induced I probably would consider medications and an epidural because I am already having something unnatural happen – but I knew what I knew what I’d prefer to happen first,’ she said.
Ms Low said it is also important to take it cautiously as hearing inspiring birth stories or traumatic ones can be damaging.
‘It is also really important to make sure your doctors and midwife is on board, as well as having someone there to support you,’ she said.