Swimmer Libby Trickett has welcomed her third baby girl

Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett was overjoyed to welcome her third child in Brisbane, a few weeks early, on Thursday, saying her “little family” is finally complete.

A SMITTEN Libby Trickett says her family is complete after welcoming her third baby girl on Thursday.

The former swimming champion gave birth to 3.7kg bundle of joy, Bronte Rose Trickett, two weeks early via an emergency caesarean at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane shortly after 4am.

Trickett already shares two daughters, Poppy, 4, and Edwina, 1, with husband Luke.

Luke and Libby Trickett

“Bronte Rose Trickett arrived into the world (a couple of weeks early – just like her big sisters!),” Trickett wrote, sharing the news via Instagram late Friday.

“After an eventful induction which included her spinning into breech, a successful ECV (External cephalic version) but Bronte wanting to high five our OB on the way out.

“We can’t believe how lucky and blessed we are to have brought another gorgeous little girl into our lives.”

“Still slightly in shock as I was so sure it was a boy in there but as soon as she came out, we knew our little family was complete. We are so in love, Poppy is a ridiculously excited big sister and Eddie is still trying to understand what is going on.”

Libby Trickett poses with her daughters Poppy, 4, and Edwina, 18 months in Brisbane in September 11, when she was 30 weeks pregnant with her third child. Picture: AAP/Claudia Baxter

Trickett released her memoir Beneath the Surface last month, in which she opened up about her battle with postnatal depression.

“My recovery from postnatal depression has been slow but steady,” she wrote.

“You don’t get better overnight, and there is always a risk that depression and anxiety will return. Sometimes.”

“I still have moments of self-doubt, but watching Poppy grow into a lovely, kind little girl has really steadied my heart.”