A Daily Telegraph column 'Have mummy bloggers gone too far?' questioned whether the 37 year-old was careless in her decision to ‘free birth’ without the supervision of a midwife or medical experts.

Mainstream media in both Europe and the USA have also broadcast the story.

Jessie said the article failed to mention that she’d enlisted a professional birth coach, or doula, who ‘had attended countless bush births, free births, home births and hospital births’ and could recognise the beginning of any complications.

Her family history also suggested she should prepare for a fast labour, food for thought given the Cairns hospital is an hour drive from Port Douglas. The hospital was also made aware she was in labour.

“Our decision to freebirth was based on actual evidence and also the circumstances we found ourselves in which was a very quick labour,” she told Newsport.

“Mahli was born 23 minutes after her waters broke. My mother’s labour with me was 1 hour and 20 minutes, so had we not prepared for a similar scenario Mahli would have been born roadside.”

A segment on young ‘mummy bloggers’ also appeared on the The Today Show yesterday, yet producers failed to contact Jessie for comment.

“I do not have a blog despite being labelled a mummy blogger in the media, I don’t know where I’d find the time,” she said.

“Some women blog about handy hacks and practical things of experiences raising a family, others are qualified in their field and offer advice on nutrition, finances or other professions.

“To assume that women don’t do their own research is insulting.”

The first-time mum questioned why women in accidental home, car or roadside births are ‘hailed as hero’s’ for their ability to birth a baby on their own, yet those who plan this become ‘reckless and naïve’. 

She also wished more women could access a doula, believing it would encourage them to investigate their legal rights 'and autonomy of body and baby' during pregnancy, labour and birth.

Doula’s can cost anywhere from $1000-$3000.

“Having Mahli at home was peaceful and the single most incredible experience of my life,” Jessie said.

“It is a day I look back on with such love. It was both peaceful and powerful, humbling and empowering.

“My wish is for all women to do their research on pregnancy and birth and know their choices.”

Jessie learned during the antenatal process that her request for an intervention, monitoring free water birth could not be granted by the hospital.

What started as a ‘what if’ scenario quickly led to research into the many benefits of home births.

“It was very important to me to have an intervention free birth including no cervical checks, no cannula and no monitoring, but due to hospital policies and regulations this could not be promised,” she said.

“We were prepared, informed, educated and made the right choice for our circumstances.”

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