This is part 2 of Jess' beautiful story.

At 36 weeks Jess' midwife flagged mild polyhydramnios - an increased volume of amniotic fluid. Jess felt really supported by her midwife, who walked her through what this might mean, and reassured her that this could be monitored "and that we didn't have to have this define any of our choices right now, or in labour yet."
 
Jess reflects on her relationship with her midwife, and having her Mum, Nan and sister at home with her, and the power in being completely supported and held. Jess went into labour, "I didn't know at the time... I had only contractions at night when I laid down." This continued for three days before Jess and her team decided to head to the hospital. During monitoring the team didn't pick up any contractions, and Jess was about to head home when during a check her midwife let her know she was 8cm dilated.
 
 After a few hours Jess and her support team decided that the next best step was a caesarean section. Hearing Jess speak about those first few moments with Archie will give you prickly eyes.
 
Jess reflects on her postpartum period - feeling both incredibly supported, and "not like herself". It highlights the difference holistic care can have on families, what support can really look like, and that it does in fact take a village to raise a babe and hold a family.

Jess has kindly shared some resources that supported her throughout her parenting journey:

•  La Leche League NZ for breastfeeding support
• midwife.org.nz for miscarriage information and support
• mentalhealth.org.nz for postnatal support

Facebook/Instagram positive, inclusive support:

• Breastfeeding Support Southland
• BreastfedNZ
• Laid back lactation
• Ourmamavillage
• RaisedGood

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