Sunshine Coast couple Astrid Schirnack and Ryan Steinbeck deliver baby girl after brain surgery

An Aussie father entered an operating theatre for lifesaving brain surgery not knowing if he would see the birth of his precious daughter but his “unicorn baby” had ideas of her own.

Sunshine Coast couple, Astrid Fchirnack and Ryan Steinbeck, deliver baby girl, Frankie, after life saving brain surgery. Picture - contributed/Martha Grace Birth Photography.

The crushing news of a deadly brain tumour is almost too much for most to bear, let alone coupled with the love of your life being about to deliver your fourth child the same day as your surgery.

Sunshine Coast dad Ryan Steinbeck went into hospital for brain surgery the day his daughter was due, not knowing if he’d make it out alive and leaving his partner of seven years to deliver their unborn baby girl without him.

Miraculously, the 43-year-old returned home from the lifesaving brain surgery the night before his beloved partner and the mother of his children went into labour in what she said was “divine timing”.

After a month of tormenting guilt and dark moments at the thought of not being able to show up for his partner and children like “the man he wanted to be”, the Cooroy resident was there to witness the birth of his daughter.

Sunshine Coast couple, Astrid Schirnack and Ryan Steinbeck. Picture: Contributed.

Astrid Schirnack, 34, the love of his life, his best friend, his rock, and his partner of more than seven years, said she never imagined such a traumatic time in their lives could end so perfectly.

They welcomed baby Francesca Maria Steinbeck into the world at their family home in Cooroy at 1.10am on Saturday, February 3, weighing nine pounds.

“Hours of intense, mind bending, dark portals of pain and oh my god I can’t do this labour. But we did it. With the support of my incredible partner – yes she waited for him to return home,” Ms Schirnack said.

Baby Frankie. Picture: Contributed/Martha Grace Birth Photography.

A couple of days before Christmas in 2023, Mr Steinbeck, a tattoo artist and Yandina business owner, received the devastating news that he had a brain tumour.

A category one meningioma was growing on the right side of his brain.

It had become so large it had pushed his brain out of place.

He was suffering from severe headaches, nausea, loss of sensation in his arms and legs, vision deterioration, had sensory issues, and had also lost his ability to work, drive, and care for his family.

Doctors said he needed immediate treatment, as leaving it would likely result in a fatal stroke.

His partner was nine months pregnant with his child at the time.

The pair pleaded with doctors to push the surgery back but were also adamant they wanted to have their daughter naturally.

When their baby girl still hadn’t arrived, two weeks overdue, Mr Steinbeck was forced to go in for his brain surgery on January 29.

Astrid Schirnack and Ryan Steinbeck. Picture: Contributed.

“I intuitively thought he’d come out of it alive but Ryan went through in his own mental journey in the lead up,” Ms Schirnack said.

“As a father and partner he went through a really dark time. Said he felt like a massive burden.

“He had to leave work and could not show up how he wanted to as man when usually he’s the most incredible partner, father and provider.

“He had a lot of guilt but had to accept the reality of it. Counselling helped.

“The day before he went in I reassured him women have birthed by themselves for a very long time and I would be okay.

“We also hired a birth photographer in case he missed it.”

Astrid Schirnack and Ryan Steinbeck. Picture: Contributed.

Despite their worst fears, Ms Schirnack did not go into labour that day.

The brain surgery was a success and Mr Steinbeck was helped through the front door of the family’s home on Thursday, February 1, at 11pm.

“The kids were asleep but it was still surreal. He wasn’t able to walk properly so I helped him in then we just held each other and cried,” Ms Schirnack said.

“I couldn’t believe I had my best friend back. You could feel the love.

“I think having him home is what sent me into labour. He helped me let go of all the anxiety, stress and trauma my body was holding onto.”

Astrid Schirnack. Picture: Contributed.

After a swim in Noosa River the next morning, Ms Schirnack went into labour at 10am Friday, February 2.

“I had a big cry that morning and decided I just needed to surrender and let go,” she said.

“I told myself this is our reality right now.

“While my body and mind were struggling, I felt incredibly free going into that birth.

“As the contractions started I went and laid in bed and he just held me and helped me through them.

“Having Ryan right beside me was incredible after everything he’d been through. It made holding new life in our arms that much more precious.”

Astrid Schirnack and baby Frankie. Picture: Contributed.

The couple were able to hold to their newborn baby girl, in their own family home, with each other there for love and support – knowing they’d overcome the most tortuous two months of their lives.

“When she was born it was shock and relief. I was so worried that with everything going on I wouldn’t feel that instant motherly love and connection because I’ve just been so distracted by all of the trauma and Ryan’s health,” Ms Schirnack said.

“But right away I felt it. I'm in awe of her. She’s so beautiful and I love her so much and the connection was instant.

“She’s our unicorn baby. She waited so that her dad could be there and she’s just been so gentle and easy and chill.

“It feels really divine and like after everything we’ve been given a breather.”

Mr Steinbeck will be unable to return to work for another four to six months as he recovers from his brain surgery. You can support the family here.