Grandma delivers daughter’s first baby in front of family on bedroom floor

Claire and Jamie Barnard with their four-day-old daughter, Marcie, who arrived in hurry at their home at Rockland St Mary with the help of her grandmother, Sue Morris. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2015)

Tiny Marcie Barnard caught her parents unawares when she arrived two weeks early and had to be delivered by Sue Morris, a former midwife.

There was not enough time to get to hospital when mum-to-be Claire Barnard's contractions started getting closer during a family meal, so husband Jamie Barnard quickly called her mother for help. And just under two hours later, while leaning against her sister-in-law Kelly Barnard's bed, Mrs Barnard gave birth to Marcie, who was a healthy 7lbs.

Mrs Morris, 54, of School Lane, Rockland St Mary, said: 'She is my first grandchild, and to be the first person to see her and touch her – I was just bowled over.

'I wanted to be with Claire when the baby was born, but to have actually experienced it quite like that was unexpected and absolutely marvellous.'

After trying for a baby for some time, including two rounds of IVF, it was the perfect Christmas gift when Mr and Mrs Barnard, of Eel Catcher Close, Rockland St Mary, found out they were expecting a baby on Boxing Day.

They had already been to the hospital last Monday morning as the 29-year-old started suffering 'practice' contractions – known as Braxton Hicks.

But as the due date was still two weeks away, she went to Mr Barnard's sister's house, on Angel Road, in Norwich, for their regular Monday night dinner.

But things started to happen fast, and once news spread the baby was on her way, it turned into a family affair.

Mr Barnard's mum, Sally, 57, of Latimer Road, Norwich, soon arrived and spoke to the emergency call handler throughout the birth. Claire's brother, Matthew Morris and partner Simon James also came over to see their newest family member, and niece Charlotte Ford, five, was kept busy in the next room looking after dog Freddie.

The new mum, a team leader at a disability care home, said: 'We are a very close family, so it perfect to have them there. Everyone was there and involved. I couldn't have wished for a better labour. It was perfect.'

ABC taxi driver Mr Barnard, 37, said he was overwhelmed.

'There we are, in my sister's bedroom, up against the bed, having our baby,' he said. 'I just could not believe it. 'When Marcie's head came out it was an unbelievable moment, so emotional. As soon as she popped her head out, she turned it as if she was looking around the room. That's when I started to cry.'