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A Dundee mum was back at home today after giving birth in the back of a taxi (writes David Clegg).
Susan Scullion (26) was on her way to Ninewells Hospital with partner Garry Blaney and mum Elaine, but they got stuck in traffic — meaning little Aaron had to be born in the back of the cab.
But the drama was not finished there — Elaine realised the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck and had to carefully remove it.
The couple have now hailed the cool-headed actions of Elaine, who delivered 7lb 2 oz Aaron, and taxi driver David Robertson.
“I was very thankful my mum was there,” said Susan.
“I don’t know what I would have done without her. I also want to thank David, he was great.”
Garry (28) added, “I just froze and didn’t know what to do, but they were brilliant.”
Susan, of Finlow Terrace, said her waters broke just after 8pm on Wednesday night — two weeks earlier than expected — and she thought it would be quicker to get a taxi than phone an ambulance.
Garry rang local company Handy Taxis and David, who also lives in Fintry, picked them up.
“The father came out and said his girlfriend would be a couple of minutes because she was in labour, but I never thought she would end up having it in the taxi,” said David (54).
“As we got to the Kingsway the traffic was bad and she was screaming that the baby was coming.
“I parked up in Graham Street and called the office to get an ambulance sent over.
“But there wasn’t enough time and she ended up having the bairn in the back of the car.”
Elaine (45) said, “It was very scary. Susan was lying with her head on my knee and started saying that the baby was coming.
“I moved her across to have a look and saw that half the head had came out already. I couldn’t believe it.
“As the head came out a bit further I realised the cord had got wrapped around the neck, but I managed to get it away and from there she just delivered him.”
Despite the ambulance arriving less than two minutes after the 999 call, Aaron had been delivered by the time it got there.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said, “The call came in at 20.26 and an ambulance that was already in the area attended within one and a half minutes.
“The baby had been delivered in the taxi so two ambulances were required — one to take the baby to hospital and one to take the mother.”
Doctors at Ninewells kept mother and baby in overnight, but gave both a clean bill of health yesterday and allowed them home.
One of the first visitors to wish them well was David, who called in to see how Aaron was getting on.
Susan and Garry, who have been together for nine years, were today introducing Aaron to his brothers and sisters Dylan (8), Brandon (7), Kacey (4) and Courtney (2).
“It was certainly the most dramatic of the births,” said Susan. “Now I’m just glad to have him home.”
© All copyright D C Thomson & Co Ltd., 2009
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