Mother offers thanks after roadside birth

A Londonderry woman who gave birth in a car by a roadside has praised the emergency services workers who came to her assistance afterwards.
Georgina Doherty pictured with her new born daughter, Saphia Doherty.Georgina Doherty pictured with her new born daughter, Saphia Doherty.
Georgina Doherty pictured with her new born daughter, Saphia Doherty.

Georgina Doherty gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the Skeoge area in the north-west of the city last weekend.

She and husband Paul Doherty, from Moville in Donegal, were on their way to Altnagelvin Hospital on Saturday, March 4, when Paul had to pull the car over and deliver his daughter – whom they have named Saphia Doherty.

“Paul had to catch her then tie off the cord with his shoe lace,” said mother Georgina.

“We wrapped her in her older sister’s coat. The ambulance arrived 10 minutes after and took us to Altnagelvin Hospital.”

Georgina and Saphia (pictured) were soon given a clean bill of health and were both discharged the following day.

“She was 13 days overdue but wasn’t willing to wait any longer,” said mum Georgina.

“She came very quick in the end. Very short labour, started 11.30am and she was born at 1.39pm, 7lb 2oz weight.

“She was the smallest of our four children, quickest delivery.”

The couple praised the emergency dispatcher, ambulance crew and all of the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital for their help.

“We just want to thank the 999 dispatcher, ambulance crew, and midwifery team at Altnagelvin who rallied around,” said Georgina.

“They did a fantastic job. And the midwives even tended to Paul, he got a strong cup of coffee to calm his nerves and tea and toast after,” she laughed.