“I went off the pill and my cycle kind of gradually disappeared. I would just get the odd period, going months without any sign. After nine months, I thought I needed to see a doctor because I’d been doing some Googling and listing symptoms, thinking I could possibly have PCOS,” Heather shares. Her doctor confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed metformin to help with conception, while Heather also focused on dietary changes and incorporated yoga into her routine.

The timing of trying to conceive was particularly challenging as Jack works away, only being home for a couple of days each fortnight. Heather used ovulation testing to maximize their chances during these brief windows. After 15 months of trying, they received the wonderful news of their pregnancy.

Heather chose to birth at Mareeba Hospital through their MGP program, known for its excellent maternity care despite being a smaller regional facility. The hospital doesn’t offer epidurals, which aligned with Heather’s preference for a water birth. “I was the person who’s like, the more I know, the more comfortable I feel. At the beginning, I was sort of scared of the thought of birth, but I found the more information I had, the more reassured I was,” she reflects.

Her pregnancy progressed smoothly, with extra monitoring for gestational diabetes. At 40+2 days, labour began with mild period-like cramps. Initially in denial about active labour, Heather spent the early stages at home, using a TENS machine and focusing on her breathing techniques.

“I was so in the zone at that point. What I’d learned from The Birth Class was the breathing exercises and meditations, and I kind of gotten myself into a bit of a zone,” she recalls. By the time her husband realised she was in active labour, contractions were coming every few minutes.

At the hospital, Heather laboured beautifully in the shower before transitioning to the birth pool. Her student midwife noted it was the first time she’d witnessed a first-time mother successfully complete a water birth, as many tend to transfer out of the water. Paige was born just before 10 pm, but the euphoria of birth was soon complicated by the discovery of a significant tear.

“I remember feeling when she came out, but I don’t think I remember like maybe stinging – I just sort of assumed that was all kind of normal. I was more focused on her coming than the pain I was in,” Heather shares. The midwives noticed significant bleeding and after assessment, determined she had sustained a 3A tear requiring transfer to Cairns Hospital for surgical repair.

The next few hours involved an ambulance transfer with her newborn and midwives, followed by surgery. “My midwife Maddie had said I’d done everything right that I could have, like being in the water and being on my knees. When I was pushing, I was kind of still holding back a bit to allow stretching. She said I was doing everything right and laboured like a seventh-time mom.”

Despite the challenging aftermath involving the tear repair, catching the flu, and a five-day hospital stay, Heather established breastfeeding and found excellent support through her local hospital and family. While she still processes some trauma around the tear and transfer, she feels immensely proud of her labor and birth.

“I think there’s still a bit of trauma… I still get a bit upset about the fact that I tore and having to go down there. The birth itself, I was really happy with – I was so proud of myself, how I labored and being able to bring her in,” she reflects. Her women’s health physiotherapist has encouraged her that any future births won’t necessarily involve tearing, leaving the door open for more children when the time is right.

Heather’s story beautifully illustrates how even when birth takes unexpected turns, a strong foundation of preparation and support can help maintain a positive experience. Her journey from PCOS diagnosis through to motherhood showcases the importance of informed choice, trusting your instincts, and the value of continuity of care in regional settings.