Black Fern Chelsea's BABY JOY AFTER MEDICAL DRAMA

After a scary birth, the rugby star is relishing mum life alongside a surprise return to sport

-  Ashleigh McEnaney

Before giving birth, Black Ferns star Chelsea Semple thought years of playing rugby would be ample preparation for labour. With a career that’s seen her pushed to her physical and mental limits on and off the field, the new mum wasn’t the least bit fazed about bringing her daughter into the world.

“As a professional rugby player, I’ve put my body on the line for years,” new mum Chelsea, 31, tells Woman’s Day. “I knew birth would be hard work and there’d be pain, but I was confident I’d be totally sweet. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

For Chelsea and her hubby James, welcoming their darling daughter Cameron Ellie back in July was far from the calm, natural birthing experience they’d hoped for. After enduring a “horrifically painful” 42-hour labour, the rugby star narrowly avoided surgery to safely deliver their precious wee bundle at Waikato Hospital. But relief turned to panic when Chelsea collapsed mere minutes after enjoying her first cuddles with Cami, causing a flurry of doctors to flood their room.

“It was the worst moment of my life right up against the very best,” recalls professional rugby coach James, 34. “In the moment, it was hard to reconcile the two. One minute, I was on a high holding Cami – the next, I was ushered out of the room without explanation. My heart was beating so fast, which was in complete contrast to Cami, who was just so perfect and serene the entire time. I knew I needed to be strong for her, but inside I was dying.”