By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
NOT many mums get to deliver their own baby, but that’s exactly what Kylie Szabo did when she pulled tiny Emma Lee out of her own stomach and into the world.
Having endured two emergency caesareans with her older children, she didn’t want to repeat the experience which can be traumatic for both mum and bub.
She had hoped to deliver Emma Lee naturally but, after a fortnight of pre-labour pain, she elected to have a maternal assisted caesarean.
Doctors at Dandenong Hospital and midwife Amy Gillies were happy to assist with the unusual delivery on 15 January.
“My doctor was open to the idea of a maternal caesar but couldn’t guarantee that the theatre staff would be willing to go ahead with it,” said the Mulgrave mum.
“They may have been reluctant given the high risk of infection, though I had spoken to my doctor and we had both made plans to minimise the risk,“ Kylie said.
The birth was a first for the hospital and for Kylie’s doctor, who had witnessed maternal assisted caesareans while training in Sydney but had never participated in one.
Kylie said the unusual delivery created an incredible bond between her and her new daughter.
“As I was pulling her out I could feel myself swell with tears. I was really doing this, I was really getting my wish to lift my baby from me.
“I got to see all of her as I lifted her in the air and placed her safely on my chest where she immediately settled unless someone touched her.”
Kylie said she was incredibly grateful to her midwife, her obstetrician and the staff at Dandenong Hospital for their caring and professional approach.
“Everyone showed me such kindness and was very concerned with making sure I felt safe.
“I would encourage anyone who needs to have a caesarean to consider doing it maternally.”
