First-time mum thanks paramedic after delivering baby at home

A first-time mum has expressed heartfelt thanks to a Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) paramedic after giving birth to her daughter unexpectantly at home.

Last August, Courtney Coghlan was taking a bath to ease her contractions but rapidly found herself in active labour and gave birth to her daughter at home.

Courtney said: “I had visited the maternity assessment unit twice during the day but as it was my first, I was assured it was normal and advised to go home.

“When I got home in the evening, I took a bath to ease the pain. I felt pressure, a pop, then an overwhelming need to push. Thankfully my mother-in-law and husband were at home with me.”

Her husband, Stewart Coghlan, and her mother-in-law, Caroline Coghlan, called 999 and was given instructions from a SAS call handler until paramedic Nicola McGregor, based at Clydebank Station, arrived along with her crew mate, Technician Mark Gallagher.

Courtney added: “Nicola took charge of the situation and made me feel so comforted, it was one more push then the baby was out. Nicola was so calming and reassuring in a very intense and scary situation. She was right there, so compassionate, and took all my worries away.

“I found out later that it was Nicola’s first birth. I would never have known this from how well she did. The paramedics absolutely made the difference for us, I know they don’t look for a thanks, but it made such an impact on us – we still talk about it.”

Just after Phoenix’s first birthday, she and mum visited Nicola at Clydebank Station to express their gratitude in person.

Nicola said: “It was lovely to meet Phoenix and Courtney again and to hear how well they have been doing.

“It’s so nice to hear back from patients because we rarely get to find out how they are after they leave our care. I wish them all the best for the future.”