Port Stephens councillor Jaimie Abbott and partner Matt Bailey have welcomed the arrival of their first child.
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Harvey George Bailey was born at Newcastle Private Hospital on November 1, weighing in at a healthy 9.1 pounds (4.1 kilograms) and measuring 54cm long.
“I’m absolutely in love,” Ms Abbott, aged 36, told the Examiner.
“Giving birth was the most emotional and intense yet happy moment I have ever experienced. I knew the instant that I held him for the first time our entire lives would change forever for the better.”
Ms Abbott, who has been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the state seat of Port Stephens for the March 2019 election, said she was grateful to the “wonderful and hardworking” midwives at Newcastle Private Hospital and their obstetrician, Dr Ollie Brown, for making their birth experience “extra special”.
She also paid tribute to partner Matt and her mother Roslyn Abbott for their support during the 11 hours of labour.
“We arrived at hospital around 8 in the morning and to truthful the first two hours of contractions were the most intense pain ever, but that pain turned to pure bliss after I virtually had to beg for an epidural,” she said.
“Surprisingly the natural delivery was not as painful or uncomfortable as I had expected and when the baby was placed on my chest I was overcome with a strong sense of absolute love.
“It was a special moment that I was happy to share with my partner and mum, and it wasn’t long before the tears started.”
Ms Abbott said the name Harvey had been chosen by the parents and George was named is honour of her late grandfather.
The couple were expected home on Wednesday. “I plan to have a few weeks’ break before resuming my council duties,” she said.
There have been many well wishes from the Port Stephens community, including a congratulatory text from NSW Premier Gladys Berijikilan.
“I’m already enjoying motherhood with the sleep deprivation and all, and we just feel so blessed as all our wildest dreams have come true with the birth of little Harvey.”