CALL THE GRANNY! TV show tips help Carole deliver baby
CAROLE Richmond delivered her granddaughter in the bathroom – using tips she picked up from Call The Midwife.
She was at home when daughter Claire Austin, 34, cried for help from the toilet as her waters broke.
It was too late to get to hospital so the grandmother of three, 59, decided the bath would be the best place for the delivery.
Recalling scenes from one of her favourite TV shows, she kept her daughter calm while placing towels in preparation.
The “squeamish” grandmother then positioned herself to catch the baby – which was born in three contractions – just like she had seen on the hit show.
Earlier in the day, Mrs Austin had visited Cotswold Birth Centre with her husband Graham but was sent home because she was in the early stages of labour.
But as she was putting her son to bed at 7.30pm, she felt a sharp pain and rushed to the loo. Little Iris was born 10 minutes later.
When medics arrived after an hour at their home in Moretonin-Marsh, Gloucs, they were so impressed with Carole’s work that baby Iris did not even need to go to hospital.
Carole said: “I’ve had four children myself but that is not the same as being at the other end. New mum Claire Austin with husband Graham, Iris and Carole Richmond I’ve been watching Call The Midwife so I think I picked up a few tips. It was just a great relief everything was all right.
“I think the adrenaline must have kicked in because I am usually quite squeamish.
“A few seconds later there was her little face looking up at me. I caught her and gathered her up in the towels. Claire did very well and it will be something to tell Iris when she grows up.”
Of the day last month, Claire said: “There was no chance of going anywhere. I was lucky. My mum is the most squeamish person as well.”