At 42, Michelle Peacock may have waited a while to make her television debut, but she knows her appearance will be no less important because of it.
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The Forster mother will be sharing the story of how she required a blood transfusion during her life-threatening delivery of twins on the final episode of the Nine documentary series, Giving Life.
"My story's important because it's about donating blood and it's going to save lives," she said.
"I don't think people realise how difficult some pregnancies can be."
After experiencing significant bleeding at the 14-week mark of her pregnancy, Michelle was transported to hospital and diagnosed with placenta previa.
People that give blood are heroes.
- Michelle Peacock
Placenta previa is when the placenta has implanted itself at the bottom of the uterus and is blocking the cervix.
Michelle was diagnosed with grade four placenta previa - the most serious form of the condition.
She was transported to hospital with significant bleeding twice more during her pregnancy, before she underwent a cesarean at 33 weeks and had to receive 14 litres of blood.
Thankfully, her twin daughters, Alexis and Layla, were unaffected by the dramatic birth.
"They were perfectly healthy," Michelle said.
"They've never had a problem."
But reflecting on the experience nearly four years later, Michelle admits it was a challenging time.
"It was pretty full-on," she said.
"I knew I was in for a tough ride and I knew I had to be careful."
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One overwhelming positive that arose from it all for Michelle was the understanding of how important it was to give blood.
An a-negative blood type - which is considered quite rare - Michelle knows she would've faced a far more perilous situation had the doctors not had the 14 litres of blood she needed on hand.
Michelle now donates blood and plasma on a regular basis - and she's hoping to inspire other people to do the same.
"The transfusion saved my life," Michelle said.
"People that give blood are heroes."
Michelle and her twin daughters will appear on episode eight of Channel Nine's Giving Life on Saturday, February 8 at 1pm.
Please call Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to donate.
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