‘We’ve been there before’: MAFS’ Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough open up on pregnancy after loss
Exclusive: MAFS′ Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough couldn’t be happier to share their baby news – but like so many couples when they first found out, the rush of excitement was immediately met with a reminder of their past heartbreak.
“I took the test first thing in the morning,” Ellie recalled. “When Jono got home from work, I told him straight away. But we didn’t just jump up and down celebrating. We’ve been there before, and we knew how fragile those early days really are.”
Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough hae opened up about pregnancy after loss and their decision to share it. Instagram/@elliedixoxo
Having previously navigated the difficulty of pregnancy loss together, seeing two lines on a test brought a feeling of cautious hope.
“It’s really emotionally complex when you’re pregnant after a loss,” Ellie admitted.
“You want to be thrilled, but your heart automatically guards itself.”
Because of their past loss, Ellie and Jono decided to keep the news quiet initially.
“At the start, we kept things so private,” Jono explained.
“We only shared it with our closest family and friends. My dad and step mum were just over the moon for us, which was really special.”
Sitting with the worry wasn’t easy but choosing to talk openly about their past miscarriage ended up being their biggest comfort.
“Being open about what we went through helped so much,” Ellie shared.
“When you start talking to friends, you suddenly realise just how many people have experienced the exact same struggle. It’s really common. Sharing our journey made us feel so much less alone, and we really hope it helps other people going through it, too.”
Ellie and Jono announced they are expecting their first child together in October. Instagram/@elliedix
Once they reached a point where they felt ready to celebrate, the pair shared their happy news on Instagram, revealing their first baby is officially due in April 2027.
Their announcement video featured their sonogram set to a touching clip from Married at First Sight, where the late Mel Schilling asked Ellie what she wanted for her future – to which Ellie had replied that she dreamed of a “white picket fence,” a baby, and “the average Australian dream.”
Away from the spotlight, life has been busy for the parents-to-be in the three years they’ve been together.
Alongside two overseas trips this year, Jono has launched an arborist business with former show cast member Tim Calwell.
In the three years they’ve been together, Ellie and Jono hae packed in businesses, home renovations and a baby! Instagram/@elliedix
"Work has been flat out with the new business, but life is good," Jono says.
Now, with their due date in sight, they are already joking about what parenthood will look like.
“I’m definitely going to be the strict parent,” Ellie laughed. Though Jono didn’t tend to agree.
Looking back at the road that brought them together, Ellie and Jono both said weathering heartbreak shifted their outlook completely.
Ellie thinks she’ll be the strict parent while Jono thinks she’ll melt pretty early on. Instagram/@elliedixoxo
“If I could go back, I’d tell my past self to just relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the ride,” Jono reflected.
“Everything really does work out.”
“You just have to trust that things happen for a reason,” Ellie added.
“Going through loss is so difficult, but standing here now makes everything feel meant to be.”
If you or someone you know is struggling after being affected by pregnancy loss, you can contact Pink Elephants, or SANDS Australia (1300 072 637). The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line (1300 308 307) offers 24-hour support to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child during pregnancy, stillbirth or beyond.
