A Perthshire father has told of his shock at having to deliver the latest addition to his family after his wife went into labour while in the bathroom.
Ian Stewart (27), of George Square, Coupar Angus, had to step in and become a temporary ‘midwife’ when he heard his wife Shelley (26) screaming and shouting for him to get some towels.
Baby Abbie was born at the family home on Saturday, with Ian’s quick thinking helping to save the day.
“I didn’t really have a choice,” said Ian, who works at Murrayshall Golf Course. “When Shelley told me the baby was on its way I felt like running out of the door, but there was nobody else.
“My other daughter Sophie (2) was standing at the door wanting a hug but Shelley went in to the bathroom and started screaming and shouting for me to get towels.
“I could see the head appearing and knew she was about to give birth.
“We had been getting prepared to go to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but then this happened. I’m delighted and just happy to have a new daughter.”
Shelley said, “I had got up at 6.15am and phoned my mother to ask her to pick up Sophie and then I was getting contractions coming less than every 15 minutes around 7.15am.
“I asked Ian to get some towels and he then went on to deliver the baby.
“My daughter had been at our bedroom door looking for a hug and when I went in to labour she just had to look on.
“It was quite scary when it all happened but Ian quickly dialled 999 after the birth and an ambulance came and drove me to Ninewells Hospital.”