A mum of two has thanked the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew who attended after her baby was unexpectedly delivered at home.

Abigail Bray (35) woke up on a cold February night in established labour with her second child.

“I had been booked in for an induction so I was completely taken by surprise. So much for that gentle build up they talked about, my contractions were full-on from the start,” said Abigail.

Abigail was advised by hospital staff to stay put while she was comfortable but before long, her waters broke, and her body took over into pushing labour.

As things progressed, she decided it was time to go to the hospital but as she prepared to leave, the baby was on his way, she would not make it to hospital in time.

Abigail’s partner dialled 999 and within minutes paramedics were on the scene and ten minutes later, baby Noah was born – in the bathroom.

But as Noah was meeting his dad, medics noticed that Abigail was losing a significant amount of blood. Her placenta wasn’t budging and her contractions had stopped. The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew, Dr Nick and Paramedic Alex, deployed by EMAS and were on scene within 13 minutes.

“It’s always a privilege to be part of the team welcome a new little person into this world.  In this case, Abi had done all the work prior to our arrival and baby Noah was safe and well.  However,   unexpected births in the community can be full of surprises and I’m glad that Nick and I were there to care for and support Abi.  Extensive bleeding immediately after birth is frightening, and can be potentially life threatening.  Our team can provide a full array of prehospital obstetric and neonatal interventions 24/7, from extra medications or emergency blood transfusions to helping deliver babies and support their breathing in the first few hours of life”. Alex Walker – HEMS Paramedic

They gave mum medication to reduce the bleeding and ensure she was in a safe condition to transport to hospital on the waiting road ambulance.

Abigail said: “Alex reassured me constantly that Noah was doing brilliantly in daddy’s care while Dr Nick, without doubt, placed the neatest and least painful cannula I’ve ever had!”

Dr Nick then stayed with Abigail in the road ambulance to ensure a safe and thorough handover to the hospital doctors.

Thankfully, the midwife was able to deliver the placenta and mum and baby were discharged the very same day.

“I’m just so thankful for the crew’s expertise, reassurance and support. I’ll never forget what they did for me.

“He’s the happiest, smiliest little boy who’s super strong and loves row, row, your boat and twinkle, twinkle, little star. He’s the best little brother to the proudest big sister and always gives his sister the biggest smiles.

“Noah’s big sister Grace (4) had been asking for a little brother for months and she actually chose his name. She just told everyone that baby Noah was in mummy’s tummy.”

Abigail has now set herself the challenge to walk the full 51.4km (31.93 miles) of the Ullswater Way, stunning but demanding circular route around Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District. The walk includes over 1,200m of elevation and is expected to take up to 14 hours to complete. She will be joined on the walk by some of her work colleagues at Barbon Insurance Group to raise money for LNAA.

Link to fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cirquedusorelegs-barbon-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL