Emily and Dan’s Birth Story

We welcomed Jude Warwick Bee into the world on 01/01/2026 at 5:18am! At 39+3 weeks the birth was a calm, unmedicated water birth after 3 days of slow early stage labour and being sent home twice to keep progressing.

The first visit I was only 1cm dilated and the second visit I was 4cm. I went home both times and worked on moving closer to active labour in the bath with my partner and mum supporting me. It was hard to be sent home but it was the right thing.

As it allowed my labour to progress calmly and naturally in a comfortable environment. On the third visit I arrived at the ward fully dilated on New Year’s Eve! Jude was born in the bath with my partner next to me and two amazing midwives who coached me through the birth as well as helping me to lift him out of the water once he arrived.

Calmbirth were absolutely instrumental in Dan and I being able to do what we did and have such a positive experience. I wouldn’t have understood how to handle the labour as I did both physically or emotionally without completing Calmbirth. Bowral Hospital was amazing, I truly take my hat off to all the midwives out there.