Sunderland couple celebrate the birth of the 200th baby at South Tyneside District Hospital’s Birthing Centre

Claire and Lee Cresswell, aged 31 and 33 from Town End Farm, Sunderland have said they are delighted after welcoming their son to the world on Tuesday, June 16.

Lyle is the 200th baby born at the Midwifery-Led Birthing Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital and the staff have celebrated the birth with the couple.

Baby Lyle arrived at 5.23pm, weighing 7lb 1oz and he will be the little brother of Corey, aged 9.

Claire was full of praise for the staff, saying: “I didn’t know about the birthing centre and wasn’t planning on delivering here.

“When I went into labour, I called the hospital and was offered the opportunity to go and be examined.

“It turned out I was more than half way though labour already and they asked if I was happy to stay, which I was.

“The staff have been brilliant, my midwife was so supportive and encouraging throughout, I don’t think I could have done it without her.”

The proud parents received a letter from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive Ken Bremner.

Mr Bremner congratulated them and the parents were presented with a hand-blown glass bauble commemorating the milestone birth.

Sheila Ford, Head of Midwifery at the Trust, added: “I’d like to say huge congratulations to Claire and Lee on the birth of their baby boy.

“We are incredibly proud to have reached yet another milestone at the birthing centre.”

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