When Carrie White went into labour 14 days early, her mum was on hand to deliver a bouncing baby girl! Here Jessica shares with us her rapid birth experience.
When did your labour start?
It was 14 days before my due date. My first child had been two weeks late, but had also been a very quick birth – 90 minutes to be exact. I had been warned by midwives to be prepared for the same thing happening twice, but I really thought that I was out of the danger zone at this particular point!
How did the labour begin?
I had a grumbling tummy ache and put it down to nothing. Then the sensation changed and I put that down to Braxton-Hicks. About thirty minutes later I knew I was in labour as the contractions were regular and were getting faster and stronger.
Did you think you were going to give birth quickly again?
The problem with a rapid labour is you just don't seem to have a moment to collect your thoughts and work out what is going on! It is fast and furious and you don't want to panic and call an ambulance, but equally by the time you do think action needs to be taken it's too late anyway!
What happened next?
Fortunately, my mum had popped round – ironically to help me get the baby's nursery ready. My son was at nursery so I didn't have to worry about that. So I simply said to my mum that she would need to call an ambulance and get ready to help me bring the baby into the world. Fortunately, she has had four children so I think she knew a thing or two about what was going to happen next!
Where was the baby born?
I managed to make it into the kitchen as everywhere else has carpet! My mum had thrown plastic bags all over the floor and had found some towels. Before I knew it, I was pushing. My husband also arrived back from dropping our son off so thankfully was there for the big moment. He looked quite confused when he walked in the house and saw the commotion that was going on in the kitchen and an ambulance arriving outside!
And did the baby arrive safely?
Yes! My mum was brilliant. She really should have been a midwife. She delivered my little girl safely and soundly and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I was also thankful that my little girl had an easy entrance into the world, I don't know what would have happened if she'd had the cord around her neck or been in a bad position.
What was it like to see your surprise baby?
All of us were crying. I think it was as big a moment for my mum as it was for my husband and me. I almost forgot to ask whether I'd had a boy or a girl, but my mum announced that Gabriella had joined us in the world. I just thought it was lovely to have a daughter delivered by my own mother. Three generations of females under one roof.
What is it like to meet a baby that has arrived so quickly and unexpectedly into the world?
Well, I really don't know any different! She was of course my own little miracle. To hold your newborn baby in your arms is just truly wonderful and is an amazing, awe inspiring moment. As expectant mothers, we brave sickness, tiredness and the pain of labour and birth all for that one moment of seeing your baby for the first time. How wonderful it was to share it with my own mum.