Unexpected Homebirth a Blessing
By Danell Swim
April 19, 2008
“I went to bed on Friday and woke up in the middle of the night at about 1am and thought ‘Oh, I’ve got some pains’ – and by quarter to three she was born,” said Louise, who co-presents the Radio Wales weekday morning magazine programme with Jamie Owen.
Louise called the hospital to say she had strong pains but she was advised to take some painkillers and have a bath.
But when she began to pack her bag for the hospital she realised she wouldn’t get there in time.
“I spoke to someone at the hospital again and they said ‘I think you need an ambulance’. At that point I realised I was at the point of no return!”
Little over 10 minutes later and baby Elizabeth had been born, with a team effort from three ambulance crew and her partner Tim.
Elizabeth, who weighed 8lb 4oz, has already been nicknamed ‘Elizabath’ by Jamie Owen, who also suggested that Jacuzzi might make a nice middle name for her.
Louise thanked the ambulance crew, Martyn Sullivan, Mark Pearce and Gareth McMullen.
“They were amazing – as soon as they arrived I thought ‘Thank goodness!’”
Martyn, who had been about to finish work, said: “It was a lovely way for me to end my shift, and it was really special for them as a family to have the birth at home.”
Louise added: “I was adamant that I would be in hospital and adamant that I would have pain relief, but in the end I had neither.
“I’d be the least likely person to enthuse about a home birth but I have to say, it was wonderful.”
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Wow, lots of these stories lately! Again, another case of women giving birth at home with no doctor or hospital technology and nobody died a horrible death. Of the three top stories posted today, the only one with a tragic outcome is the hospital birth. Hmm…
I love this story! It just goes to show you that home birth really is very “normal.” It makes so much sense to catch the baby coming out in a birth where both mom and baby are healthy with no known risk factors. They are in the comfort of their own home and the pregnancy ended right where it began!