New parents settling down after unorthodox Christmas Day arrivals

Having a baby is rarely stress-free, but for two new West Suffolk mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day, the experience was particularly challenging.

Kimanya Barnes and her partner Adam Randall welcomed Emily at 1am on Christmas morning – after she was delivered by Adam in their bathroom.

Kimanya went into labour at around midnight, but things progressed quickly meaning Adam, 22, had to deliver their daughter at home in Brandon.

“It was a very dramatic experience,” said Adam. “At the time I didn’t give it much consideration. I was absolutely terrified but it was clear that I would have deal with it.”

After Kimanya went into labour Adam called for an ambulance and was put through to a midwife, who talked him through the delivery.

Just 16 minutes into the phone call, Emily was born weighing 6lb 7oz.

Adam said: “She is a really gorgeous girl. It is an incredible feeling, unmatched by anything.”

Kimanya, 30, has three older sons, but Emily is her and Adam’s first child together.

Of their daughter’s unorthodox birth, she said: “It just sort of happened, we didn’t stop to think about it until afterwards.

“It was quite something, especially for Adam. Having to deliver his first child was quite scary but it was nice at the same time.

“On Boxing Day she travelled to Hertfordshire to meet some of my family. Everyone was over the moon.

“Her brothers are absolutely smitten. My eldest particularly wanted a little sister.”

The ride wasn’t so smooth for Claire Keats and partner Tom Sadler, from Rattlesden, whose son Frankie was delivered early at 36 weeks in West Suffolk Hospital at 6.46am.

Following the birth Claire, 22, developed pre-eclampsia and Frankie, who weighed just under 5lb, was transferred to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge with breathing problems.

Following treatment, Tom and Claire said things were looking up for their son.

Speaking at Addenbrooke’s on Tuesday, Tom, 23, said: “We’re a lot happier and more positive now. It has been very hard but we’re feeling better.”

Also at West Suffolk Hospital, proud parents Sarah and Nathan from Brandon welcomed Jacob Hugh at 11.08am weighing 5lb 8.5oz, and Sue Vincent from Mildenhall gave birth to a daughter weighing 7lb 9.5oz at 9.34pm.