New mum's praise for midwives at Sunderland Royal Hospital as couple welcomes baby boy on Easter Sunday

Beckah Bittel, 22, and partner Jed Tang, 27, welcomed their son Hunter – who weighed 7lb 13.5 ozs – shortly after 8.10pm on Sunday, April 12 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

More than a week late, the little boy kept his parents waiting for his arrival. But now that he is here safely, his parents are waiting to go home and begin life as a family of three.

New mum Beckah, of Roker, told the Echo that it was worrying to go into hospital during the coronavirus outbreak, but that the midwives and staff were fantastic.

She said: “Giving birth in the pandemic was scary, and still is scary. Knowing I was in a hospital with Covid-19 patients in the same building terrified me.

“But the midwife staff have never made me feel more at home. I couldn't praise them enough.”

Beckah and Jed, who both work for ATG Tickets at Sunderland Empire, will have a little while to wait before they can introduce Hunter to their loved ones.

They plan to have video calls with their families so everyone can meet the new arrival.

Beckah has also reassured other expectant mothers across the city following her experience in hospital.

She added: “We have had a lot of messages from pregnant people we know who are due to give birth soon and I think it has put their mind at ease knowing how everything works and how clean and safe it is.”

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