Archive - Tuesday, 17 February 2004


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Beckie delivers a Valentine surprise

Ref. 29112-61IT WAS the best Valentine's gift Michael Wolf could ever hope for a new son but there was a catch.

He had to deliver the 6lb 5oz baby himself on the living room floor.

Luckily, Michael, a trained first aider knew exactly what to do, and baby Alfie is now doing fine.

Michael and his partner Beckie had planned to enjoy a quiet Valentine's Day together at their home in Queen's Drive, Swindon.

But the pair soon realised that would not be the case when Beckie started having contractions.

After waking up with stomach ache, she went downstairs for a glass of water.

Within minutes the contractions had started.

Michael, 32, said: "Beckie got up with stomach pains at 5.40am, and within 40 minutes the baby was born.

"Luckily, I had done basic child birth as part of a first aid course at work, and could just about remember what to do.

"It was too quick to really worry about what was happening.

"We called the ambulance, but I knew it was too late. I could already see the head.

"I just made sure the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby's head and the airways were clear of mucus.

"The ambulance crew walked in just after I had delivered Alfie "

Beckie had bought Michael a Star Trek video for Valentine's Day, but he was much more excited about his surprise gift.

"It's the best Valentine's gift I have ever had, and I'll certainly never forget his birthday," he said.

Mother and baby were in such good health following the birth that they were allowed to stay at home, and didn't need a hospital check-up.

Beckie, who has three other children from a previous relationship, was due to have the pregnancy induced the following day because she suffers from back problems.

She has had quick deliveries in the past, but this came as a complete shock.

"I felt a twinge in my stomach and that was it," she said.

"I sat on the living room floor, and hid my head in a quilt on the sofa because I didn't want to wake the children.

"It was a lovely Valentine's present, but I don't think I want any more children."

Beckie has had some close calls in the past.

Her daughter, Amy, now four, was born just eight minutes after she arrived in hospital.

Michael, who has two children from a previous marriage, and Beckie now plan to get married in June.

Tamash Lal