Derry woman gives birth at side of road

Georgina Doherty pictured with her new born daughter, Saphia Doherty.

Georgina, who is from Derry, and husband Paul Doherty, from Moville, were on their way to Altnagelvin Hospital on Saturday March 4 when Paul had to pull the car over and deliver his daughter.

“Paul had to catch her then tie off the cord with his shoe lace,” said mother Georgina.

“We wrapped her in her older sister’s coat. The ambulance arrived ten minutes after and took us to Altnagelvin Hospital.”

Georgina, and Saphia were soon given a clean bill of health and were both discharged the following day.

“She was 13 days overdue but wasn’t willing to wait any longer,” smiled mum Georgina.

“She came very quick in the end. Very short labour, started 11.30am and she was born at 1.39pm, 7lb 2oz weight. She was the smallest of our four children, quickest delivery.”

The couple, who have three other children, praised the emergency dispatcher, ambulance crew and all of the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital for their help.

Georgina and Paul Doherty pictured with their little baby girl, Saphia. Included are their three other children from left, Jake, Teigan and Shay.

“We just want to thank the 999 dispatcher, ambulance crew, and midwifery team at Altnagelvin who rallied around,” said Georgina.

“They did a fantastic job. And the midwives even tended to Paul, he got a strong cup of coffee to calm his nerves and tea and toast after,” she laughed.