Dundee councillor Alan Ross has praised staff at Ninewells Hospital after the premature arrival of his baby daughter on Christmas Eve.
Mr Ross (29) and his partner Karen Fotheringham (28) were not expecting their first child together until the end of January, but a routine scan picked up signs of distress from their little girl.
Hospital staff decided an emergency Caesarean section was the safest way forward and within hours Holly Grace had arrived in the world.
Mr Ross, who represents the Lochee ward, said the past few days had been an emotional rollercoaster as Holly had been placed in the Special Care Baby Unit for observation.
“It was really exciting that she came early but also really worrying. It’s been the weirdest week of my life a real mixed bag of emotions, from worry to happiness to upset to relief.
“It’s two of the people I care most about and love so much and they’re both in hospital and both in separate places in hospital.
“Going home and leaving them every night has been very difficult not just for me but for both of our families.”
The first-time father said the pregnancy had been going well until a routine scan showed little Holly in distress.
“What should have been a 30-minute appointment turned into an all-day appointment and we just got more worried as the day went on.Decision”The doctors tried to treat the baby through Karen but when that didn’t work as well as they wanted, the decision was made to deliver and treat the baby directly.
“Holly was born by emergency Caesarean section on Christmas Eve morning, weighing six pounds four ounces. She was taken straight to the Special Care Baby Unit and she’s been there ever since.”
He added, “She’ll probably have to stay in hospital until the end of January because most premature babies stay in hospital until their due date, but the doctors are happy with her progress she’s a real little fighter and is making great progress.”
Holly’s early arrival had meant Christmas had been a “bit of a blur” for everyone but Mr Ross heaped praise on medical staff at Ninewells Hospital.
He said, “I brought Karen’s son David up to see her and we all opened presents together. David has taken everything in his stride. He’s been brilliant and he’s just delighted to have a little sister.
“Both families have been fantastic throughout, really supportive and the hospital has been brilliant too. From the midwife who initially noticed the problem, throughout the birth and right up until now everyone has been brilliant.
“They kept us informed throughout, the care has been first class and we’ve had 24-hour access to Holly. We really want to say thank you to everyone involved.”