Village of Support: Rose Anna Jan-Gee Louey on a High-Risk Twin Pregnancy and Trusting Your Inner Voice
I'm 34 years old, of Chinese and Danish descent, and a single mother to three: Margot, and identical twins Paris and Jules. We live in Euro Yuroke, the punk part of St Kilda West, Melbourne, in an iconic Cinderella apartment.
"My village of reproductive health support has always been my mother, my herbalist and naturopath Elyane Brightlight (also known as my spiritual granny who lives in rural NSW), my chiropractor of 14 years Leigh, and the market health food store for chocolate supplies."
Reflecting on her reproductive health experience, Rose describes it as: "Tailored, attentive, generous."
How Her Village Showed Up When It Mattered Most
A lot was troubling to me in my twin pregnancy. It was high risk and this had a major effect on my emotional wellbeing and physicality. I was given herbal tonics, ayurvedic food plans and adjustments that were tailored to help my skin reactions specifically, and my ability to move without pain after 30 weeks.
Unspecific to reproductive support but essential in maintaining high spirits: I acknowledge women in my ears from my beloved podcasts, and my proximity to the water for relief.
What Rose Wishes for Others Looking Down the Barrel of Their Own Fertility Story
For those trying to conceive, I think this is a very inwards and private struggle. There are just the most wonderful resources in novel form and podcasts that bring us into a space where we feel part of something bigger. I also believe that we can look too far into instructive resources to tell us what to expect. Sometimes, I believe that after all I have been through, my inner voice knew all along what was best for us.
Rose's Three Must-Haves
- Bone broth for the nerves and for the milk
- Giant bamboo underpants
- Vego chocolate bars
Support in Australia
If you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy or twin pregnancy in Australia, The Royal Women's Hospital and Twins Research Australia are useful starting points for information and support. For pregnancy loss support, The Pink Elephants and SANDS are available.
More from the Village of Support series
- Village of Support: Grace Munday on Miscarriage, Moving Cities and Finding Your People
- Finding Your Village After Birth: Georgie's Postpartum Story
- When the Age Gap Between Babies Is Bigger Than You Planned
My inner voice knew all along what was best for us.
Rose Anna Jan-Gee Louey is 34, single mum to Margot and identical twins Paris and Jules, and lives in the punk part of St Kilda West, Melbourne.
