Every so often, a message arrives that reminds me why this work matters so deeply.
Recently, I received a beautiful message from Nancy Culpepper, a mother from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, who reached out to share how her second baby’s birth was transformed by an approach first developed here in Melbourne.
"Dr. Cole! My name is Nancy Culpepper and I live near Atlanta, Georgia in the US. I just have to say thank you! My first birth resulted in a C-section in 2023. In preparation for my second birth, I was opting for a planned c-section but knew I wanted to feel more connection to my birth and baby. The videos online where you share about the maternal assisted c-Sections inspired me to talk to my doctor, who had never heard of MACs before… she watched your videos, got inspired as well and assembled a L&D team. Last Wednesday, November 26, I gave birth to my second son, this time via MAC, it was so incredibly special. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, it’s impacting those around the world! ”
Nancy had her first birth via caesarean in 2023. As she prepared for her second, she hoped for a more connected and participatory experience. During her research, she found our videos explaining Maternal Assisted Caesarean (MAC) — an approach that allows mothers to lift their own baby directly onto their chest during a caesarean.
It has since become a deeply valued option for many women seeking a more emotional and empowering caesarean birth. The technique I developed and implemented at Epworth Freemasons Maternity Hospital in Melbourne has now been taken up in numerous hospitals in Australia and several other countries.
To know that an idea born in our theatre at Epworth Freemasons is now helping women on the other side of the world is profoundly humbling.
I wrote back to Nancy:
“Your message has made my day. I love that this is having an impact so far away. Several hospitals in the US have reached out recently to explore MACs, and I hope many more women will have the opportunity to experience it.”
I am currently undertaking research into MACs that I hope to publish soon. My goal is to help clinicians feel confident offering this approach and to make connected birth experiences more widely available.
Nancy generously offered to let us share her story:
“Absolutely! Truly one of the best moments of my life. The joy in our photos says it all.”
Her willingness to share will inspire other women — and perhaps encourage more hospitals around the world to consider offering MACs.
What Is a Maternal Assisted Caesarean (MAC)?
Originally developed and implemented by Dr Cole at Epworth Freemasons Maternity Hospital, a Maternal Assisted Caesarean allows the mother — after full sterile preparation — to reach down and lift her own baby from the uterine incision to her chest.
It blends the safety of a caesarean with the emotional immediacy of vaginal birth.
Learn more about MACs here:
👉 https://www.drstephencole.com.au/maternal_assisted_caesarean
Why Stories Like Nancy’s Matter
Birth is a medical event, yes — but it is also deeply human, emotional, and life-changing.
To know that something developed in a Melbourne hospital can positively impact a family in the USA speaks to the power of sharing knowledge and rethinking the birth experience.
To Nancy — thank you.
Your message inspires us to continue advocating for MACs, advancing research, and supporting women who want a more connected caesarean birth.
