Mum thanks paramedic who delivered baby in her living room

A Wearside mum has thanked a paramedic who helped bring her baby daughter into the world.
Paramedic Stacey Hilton with baby Gracie and her mum Devon Gaunt.Paramedic Stacey Hilton with baby Gracie and her mum Devon Gaunt.
Paramedic Stacey Hilton with baby Gracie and her mum Devon Gaunt.

Devon Gaunt, 22, needed emergency help when she went into labour at her mum Lorraine Ross’ Washington home.

By the time paramedic Stacey Hilton arrived at the scene, baby Gracie Smith was already making her way into the world and just over 10 minutes later, she was born on the living room rug, weighing 8lb 1oz.

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Devon, who is also mum to three-year-old Lucas, said: “I had gone through to the hospital as the pains were really strong, but because I was only 3cm dilated, I was sent home.

“By this point it was rush hour and we got stuck in traffic. I got through the door and could feel her head crowning. My mam delivered her head with the help of the call taker and then Stacey came through the door.

“She chucked her stuff on the floor and got straight on her knees.

“Stacey was great. I can’t thank her enough.”

Lorraine said: “It was terrifying, but when the baby started coming out this calm just took over. All I could think was that’s my baby having her baby and I need to keep them safe.

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“I had the head and was thinking please somebody come through the door. Just as her shoulder was coming out, Stacey came through the door and took over.

“It was such a relief to see her and to know we were in safe hands.

“Stacey was amazing. She’s like a hero in this house.”

For mum-of-two Stacey, 34, who has been a qualified paramedic for less than a year, baby Gracie was her first delivery.

She said: “A delivery is something that even the most experienced paramedics worry about getting, because so many things can go wrong, so to do my first one on my own was terrifying.

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“I couldn’t believe it when I walked through the door and there’s poor Devon on her back and the baby’s coming.

“It was quite an emotional experience. It was an honour to be part of it and makes you really proud of the job you do.”