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.”
Doctors eventually stabilised Chelsea, who had suffered a seizure, which medical staff put down to extreme blood loss and exhaustion. Despite the unexpected chaos of her labour, however, the smitten new mum says she’d do it all again knowing little Cami was waiting for her on the other side.
“I know that seems strange, but I wish more women were open about their birthing experiences – the good and the bad. There’s no shame or wrong way to bring your baby into the world and I’m proud of the way we came together as a family when it really counted. It was traumatic, but it’s all part of our story.
“It’s those make-or-break moments that make you all the more grateful for what you have and, honestly, James and I feel like we’ve hit the jackpot with our little girl – she’s changed my whole outlook on life and given me a beautiful new perspective of what’s truly important.”
At six months old, Cami – whose name was loosely inspired by her mum’s enduring love for Cameron Diaz – is already proving to be quite the chatterbox and her infectious personality thrives in busy environments.
“I’ve never known a love like it,” beams James. “Cam’s bubbly, energetic and really feeds off other’s energy, like a true team player. Perhaps my plan for her to be a Black Fern, just like her mum, is
already working!”
Back in December, the new dad was gearing up to leave his baby girl to return to the US, where he was working as head coach of Rugby New York’s Ironworkers squad, when it was announced the team had unexpectedly folded due to a lack of investors.
“I’ve been going through the stages of grief,” admits James. “First it was shock, then anger and now I’m in a place of acceptance. I’m truly so grateful for the incredible opportunity, the time I spent in New York and all of the people who were part of the experience. It really was my dream job, but I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason isn’t entirely clear just yet.”
Certainly, there have been silver linings, adds James, who has quickly picked up a corporate sales job. “We’ve had the most incredible summer with Cami, making precious memories I would’ve otherwise missed. My priorities have definitely shifted since she came along. I’ll never stop chasing my dreams, but I also need to provide for my family, so we feel grateful for everything we have and all the good things to come.”
Plus, the extra pair of hands and round-the-clock support at home has meant Chelsea has been able to throw herself back into her work, having earned a spot on the Chiefs Manawa squad for the 2024 season.
“It was always my goal to get back to the game, but an official signing so soon after bubs truly is a dream come true,” she smiles. “I definitely worried about losing my identity after having Cami and what that would mean for my playing career, so I’ve enjoyed the mental and physical challenge of having something to strive towards.”
Closely monitored by a postnatal physiotherapist, Chelsea returned to gentle exercise when her little girl was just two weeks old and now trains with her team full-time – roughly seven hours a day, five days a week – which means Cami is fast becoming a fixture on the sidelines.
“Chiefs management has been amazing in allowing me freedom to put Cami first,” adds Chelsea. “If I can’t pump as much milk as I need or if bub just wants her mum, there’s no pressure on me to be at training. It won’t be easy, but I want to show my daughter women are limited by absolutely nothing.”
Her steely determination and devotion to their daughter fill James with pride.
“With everything Chelsea’s been through and managed to achieve, I’m convinced there’s nothing she can’t do,” he smiles. “She’s the best mum, who is setting the most incredible example for our girl. I can’t wait to see the person Cam grows to be because of it.”
