Woman gives birth in supermarket car park after ambulance mistakes husband’s plea for help as praise for NHS staff

“We were probably 10 minutes into our journey and I said to my husband, ‘The baby is coming right now’,” says Hannah Howells

(PA)

A woman gave birth in her car outside a supermarket after a passing ambulance crew mistook her husband’s effort to flag them down as cheers of appreciation for NHS staff.

Hannah Howells, a 33-year-old teacher, and her husband Andy, 37, from Hamble, Hampshire, were driving to Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton on 19 April when they realised they weren’t going to get there in time for the baby to be delivered.

Mr Howells pulled in to a Sainsbury’s Local car park and attempted to get the attention of the ambulance as it drove past.

“We saw an ambulance coming in the other direction. Andy was trying to wave, but they quite rightly thought we were clapping for the amazing work they’re doing,” Mrs Howells told the Press Association.

“We were probably 10 minutes into our journey and I said to my husband, ‘The baby is coming right now’".

The couple contacted the Labour Line (a helpline that allows women to talk to midwives during labour) and then 999 before an operator talked Mr Howell through delivery the baby.

“We parked up and called the Labour Line and then 999 and the amazing lady who took the call talked my husband through delivering our baby,” Mrs Howells continued.

“Wilf was already halfway out on the front seat of the car and I still had my seat belt on.”

Mr Howells then delivered baby Wilf who weighed 6lbs and 7oz.

The same ambulance that had passed them earlier then returned and the paramedics helped take mother and child to hospital for a check-up.

Mr and Mrs Howells with baby Wilf (PA)

Mr and Mrs Howells returned home the same day to see their son Theo, three, who was being looked after by his grandparents.

“It’s all been an absolute whirlwind and we feel like we’re in a bubble. It’s so surreal,” said Mrs Howells.

She also thanked bystanders who offered help and the health service.

“People kindly offered help, the paramedics arrived, the store manager closed the car park and offered us anything we needed and I was even given a bunch of flowers meant for somebody else,” Mrs Howells added.

“I’ll never forget hearing ‘congratulations, your baby was born at 10.47am’ down the phone. It was magical and everyone was incredible. People really rallied and it was such a special moment for us.

“Wilf is a trooper and incredibly calm. He’s chilled and super healthy. Theo has been an absolute star and is besotted with him. We’re all doing very well and we feel really lucky.”

Mr Howells said: “We want to say thank you to all those that helped us, including Kellie-Anne Blake, the 999 call handler who talked me through the delivery, the amazing paramedics, and Amber and her team at the Broadlands Birth Centre at Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton.

“We are in awe of those that are risking their own lives, and that of their families, to help people who need it. Thank you so much.”

Additional reporting by Press Association