Family friend delivers baby on dining room floor

By Linzi Watson

Last updated at 21:48, Wednesday, 10 February 2010

When Chloe Streames went into labour with her second child she thought she had everything planned.

Mary Thornton, left, with Chloe Streams and baby Maisie Jade Mary Carruthers

Close friend Mary Thornton was on call to drive her from Brampton to the hospital after clearing her diary in the run-up to the baby’s due date.

But little Maisie was in more of a hurry to be born than anyone had bargained for – and Mary ended up delivering the baby in the dining room.

Maisie Jade Mary Carruthers was born on at 3.45pm on Friday, weighing a healthy 7lb 1oz.

Proud mum Chloe, 30, from Oakwell Court, decided to give the baby friend Mary’s name to show her appreciation.

Chloe, who has a four-year-old daughter Molly, said: “I can laugh about it now but I was really shocked at the time.

“At 2pm I was having contractions every five minutes. I called the hospital but they told me to wait for a while. Mary arrived 15 minutes later but I could not get into the car.”

Chloe’s partner Micah Carruthers phoned for an ambulance while Mary, a mum of four, comforted Chloe. But it soon became apparent that little Maisie was well on her way.

Mary, 59, who is the best friend of Chloe’s mum Jane, and Molly’s godmother, said: “When I saw Chloe I could tell she was in an advance stage of labour. I put my hand on her back and I could feel the contractions coming continuously.”

Just three short pushes later and Maisie was born. Mary, an artist who also lives in Brampton, said: “She was so beautiful and she cried straight away which was a great relief.

“I was so proud to be a part of the birth. It is the most natural thing in the world and creates such a bond between everyone involved. I was walking around on cloud nine afterwards.”

Chloe added: “Mary was brilliant, very calm and she kept me and Micah calm.

“The baby is doing well and we are looking forward to telling her all about how she was born when she is older.”

First published at 14:14, Friday, 05 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk