Pregnant and in Victoria?

**BellyBelly** · February 17th, 2005, 04:44 PM

Dear lovely ladies,

This year I began a wonderful course in Birth Attending, which ironically goes for nine months. Originally I did this course with the intention of then wanting to study the Bachelor of Midwifery but I am really enjoying the Birth Attending for the time being - I love the whole idea of supporting the mother and being with her for her whole labour, one on one continuous support, hopefully helping her to acheive a natural labour if thats what she wants (amazing what difference the support can make!). Of course I have no problems with a caesarian birth or other whatsoever.

I feel extremely priviledged and lucky enough to already have a few BellyBelly people allow me to be present for their births before November, however if anyone else would be interested in having me support them for the birth of their baby (not in a medical role at all purely support), then please email me at info@bellybelly.com.au. Even if you might know someone who would be interested I would love to hear from you.

I always totally respect a woman's space when pregnant and birthing, so if it's not something you would feel comfortable doing, then I completely understand - even if you change your mind before the birth, I would have no problem with that. If you would prefer me to be there for some stages and not others, I would understand also.

So please let me know if you are interested and I would love to chat with you further. I don't mind if you are having a home birth, waterbirth or hospital birth - I am not there to judge but be there for whatever you need.

Thank-you again to those who have contacted me and are allowing me to be present to a very intimate part of their life.

**Tracey** · February 21st, 2005, 11:44 AM

Kelly,
Honestly I could not care less who was there...
I will let you know after my U/S etc & have dates etc, discuss with DHetc, etc... But personally I am happy...
Will let you ...

**Amity** · February 21st, 2005, 01:02 PM

Have already sent you an email, Kelly!

**BellyBelly** · February 21st, 2005, 08:03 PM

Awwww thanks soooo much guys!!! I really appreciate it and am totally over the moon that you would even consider such a thing! Of course I would love to chat to you both beforehand much more, so you feel at ease. As I mentioned, I am totally open in regards to what you want me to see and not.

Thank-you for helping me with my dream - I'm doing everything I can to get there and they all tell me being part of labours other than my own is highly regarded amongst a few other things (e.g. doing the units I am etc.). I wont let you down!

**nicole mckay** · February 22nd, 2005, 07:24 AM

kelly there is a very good chance that i will be having a third ceasarian section.if you would like to be part of something different to a vaginal birth you are most welcome.
nikki

**BellyBelly** · February 24th, 2005, 01:52 PM

Thanks Nicole - I would love to!!! Will email you soon

**mumofbundlezofjoy** · March 3rd, 2005, 02:06 AM

Hi Kelly, babe no 4 is on the way, I have had a vaginal and a csec, so am hoping for a vbac (if I can) and an audience never bothered me( you should have seen the twins birth!!) So if you want to, I am available
Vanita

Debbie Lee · March 15th, 2005, 03:39 PM

Doh! I have only just come across this post! Probably a little too late now as I am going in tomorrow!
I would have loved to have you there to help you out, Kel! Ah well... next baby?? LOL

**nellbe** · March 15th, 2005, 03:45 PM

I would have loved to helped you as well Kelly... mine labour turned out to be very interesting to say the least! I knew there was a reason I was getting scared that day at your place!

Good luck with everything!

**mumofbundlezofjoy** · March 16th, 2005, 09:43 PM

CONGRATULATIONS
I hope you find this a very rewarding experience. All the best for your future in midwifery, I'm sure from the way your care for mums here on the website that you have the heart to become a fabulous mid and I sincerely wish you all the best

**BellyBelly** · March 17th, 2005, 03:17 PM

Awww thanks Vanita!!

I will email you shortly too, now my course is all sorted!

Debbie Lee · March 18th, 2005, 08:25 PM

Congratulations Kelly! That is awesome news. I tell you what, someone like yourself would only be an asset to the whole birth experience. You obviously care a great deal about people's well-being (thus this fantastic site!) and have a great deal of knowledge. Good on you for pursuing your dream and YAY at getting closer to it!! All with 2 young children. Well done!

**BellyBelly** · March 18th, 2005, 08:40 PM

Awwww thanks Deb!!! I still have so much to learn, I am forever worried about saying the wrong thing! But I want to learn and really make a positive contribution to birthing women. It made a huge difference to me having someone there supporting me when Elijah had to come out quick. If it wasn't for that, I am sure I would have had some sort of painkillers (wasn't allowed an epidural at that stage though), or I would have ended up with an episiotomy to get him out, because I was totally exhausted from pushing and lack of sleep after such a long labour.

All the best for a wonderful birth and well done for saying no to the gels when you didn't want it. Good girl

*Yvette* · March 25th, 2005, 01:41 PM

Wow Kelly, that's wonderful. I hope it goes really well for you.

Have sent you an email, but you're prolly booked solid already.

**BellyBelly** · April 18th, 2005, 05:58 PM

Have sent you an email - thank-you so much! If hubby was a little frightened last time, having support is great for him too, in the sense of having someone there to reassure him as well as you. Often when hubby panics, mum does too and it can be another reason mum might opt for pain relief - if he's not sure of himself, then mum may feel that way too and look for the nearest exit! I have had a quick skim over your birth plan and it looks great, I would love to be able to help you acheive all those things.