Owning your birth, even in the unexpected.
The story of Maddy and Leni for Caesarean Birth Awareness Month.
Maddy is my beautiful cousin, witnessing her become a mother has been one of the most magical experiences. Her daughters birth story is one of empowerment, surrender, choice and loving support.
At 30, Maddy and her long-time partner Max felt the time was finally right to grow their family after years of building their careers, renovating their first home, and soaking up life together. What followed was a beautiful pregnancy, a surprise proposal, and the arrival of their daughter Leni, now 1.5-year-old and the light of their lives.
Like many birth stories, Maddy’s didn’t unfold exactly as planned. Dreaming of a vaginal birth, she had to pivot when her daughter remained breech late into the pregnancy. With calm determination and a whole lot of support, including her sister-in-law, an experienced midwife, who held their hands through the entire journey, Maddy made the empowered decision to welcome her baby girl via planned Caesarean — a choice that, while unexpected, brought her the most magical moment of her life.
In this interview, Maddy opens up about her Caesarean Birth experience with raw honesty, humour, and the kind of heartfelt reflection that will leave you feeling seen and supported. Whether you're planning your own birth or reflecting on the one you’ve already had, her story is a beautiful reminder that there is no “right way” to become a mother — only your way.
Before Babies: Building a Life with Intention
Maddy and Max knew early on that they wanted to build a family, but were intentional about waiting until life felt aligned. After spending their twenties chasing dreams and checking off big goals, they felt ready — and were lucky to fall pregnant quickly.
Pregnancy brought joy, a proposal, and eventually a wedding with little Leni as the sweetest flower girl 1.5 years old, she is the happiest little girl and is so adored.
The Birth Plan That Shifted
Initially planning for a vaginal birth, Maddy was hit with a curveball at 36 weeks — her baby was breech. Despite trying everything from acupuncture, swimming, bodywork to spinning babies, little Leni had her own plan.
After hours and hours thoughtful research and honest conversations, Maddy and Max made the decision to go ahead with a planned Caesarean around 39+5 weeks.
“At first I was really disappointed,” Maddy admits. “But I spoke to professionals, did the reading, and ultimately just wanted a safe delivery. I had read lots of other stories of women having breech vaginal births and it just something I felt was wasn’t right for us.”
Preparation, Support, and Peace of Mind
One of the highlights in Maddy’s story? Her rock-solid support system.
With a sister-in-law who’s also a midwife, Maddy had someone by her side who literally made her a PowerPoint walking through what to expect. From emotional support to being in the room during surgery, her sister-in-law made all the difference.
“I was never afraid of the surgery. I felt I had all the information I needed, Max also felt confident going into the surgery. I was just so excited to meet my baby.”
The Big Day: Calm, Excitement, and Surreal Joy
Maddy barely slept the night before her scheduled C-section. "I think I got one hour of sleep. I was just too excited."
Arriving at the hospital at 7am, Maddy and Max waited for their turn, surrounded by quiet anticipation and love. When the time came, things moved quickly. After the spinal and some brief discomfort, Max on one shoulder and my sister-in-law on the other, Leni arrived safely.
“Every feeling disappeared the second she was on my chest. That first cry… it froze my whole body. It was unbelievable.”
The Realities of Recovery — and the Power of Community
Maddy is open about the physical challenges in the first couple of weeks post-surgery. With help from a belly band, keeping on top of her pain meds, and an army of family delivering home-cooked meals and moral support, she slowly found her groove with Leni.
“I honestly don’t think we cooked for a month,” she laughs. “Did I say how lucky I was?”
Breastfeeding for Maddy and Leni, was thankfully a straightforward learning. Maddy felt confident in feeding and had a brilliant health professional team around her in the early weeks to encourage her.
Emotionally, recovery took longer — “a year, honestly!” — but she gave herself the grace and space to feel it all. Moving through motherhood int he first year is no easy feat, knowing that this was a season, and a fleeting one at that, Maddy was able to lean into learning more about herself as a mother and soak up the beauty amongst the chaos.
What Maddy Wants Other Mums to Know
When asked what she’d tell another mum facing a Caesarean, Maddy doesn’t hesitate:
“Prioritise REST. And know that it is NOT the easy way out — at all.”
Her biggest lesson? That birth doesn’t always go to plan, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or beautiful. You can feel empowered about your birth, you have a choice, and ultimately you need to feel comfortable with the choice, however it unfolds.
“The goal was a healthy, safe baby — and I would do anything to make that happen.”
Final Words of Encouragement
Maddy’s journey is a powerful reminder that strength lies in flexibility, and that empowered choices come in many forms — including a planned Caesarean birth. Her story celebrates the beauty of leaning on your village, feeling educated, trusting your intuition, and embracing the path that feels right for you.
To every mama navigating the unknowns of birth: you are doing beautifully, and your story — just like Maddy’s — is worthy, valid, and deeply powerful.
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria.
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.
