It was an unforgettable morning for Maidstone parents Jom and Adam, who found themselves in an extraordinary situation as their son made an unexpected arrival into the world, seven weeks early.
On World Prematurity Day, 17 November, the family were able to be reunited with the crew who helped bring Jasper into the world at our Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre.
Seeing the flashing blue lights outside their home in the early hours of 22 July 2024 was a ‘huge sigh of relief’ for the couple, who are already parents to four-year-old Hugo.
At 33 weeks pregnant, Jom had been experiencing some discomfort and bleeding, and had been told her mucus wall had broken and to rest at home. Not being able to sleep, Jom was awake on the sofa in the early hours of the morning, when she began to experience heavy bleeding and an urge to push.
Jom woke husband, Adam, and he immediately rang 999. Within minutes of their call, Resource Dispatcher, Anne Cornwall, had coordinated a team of paramedics, David Netto, Shannon Fisher, Rory Doyle, and Newly Qualified Paramedic, Jamie McKay, who arrived at their home within six minutes.
After just three pushes, and moments before 6am on 22 July 2024, Jasper was safely born into the world.
Jom and Jasper were taken to the neonatal unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital where they spent the next month, making sure Jasper and mum were both fit and healthy before returning home to Adam and Hugo.
The family’s visit to Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre was an opportunity to thank the team in ensuring Jasper’s safe arrival, and also for them to be able to meet him and enjoy some cuddles!
David said: “This was the first time I have had the pleasure of delivering a baby, and so this was really special for me.”
Jom said: “Having had an emergency caesarean delivery for Hugo, it was very much unexpected to be delivering Jasper in our living room at home. I had mentioned to Adam that we should get our hospital bag ready soon, but I truly didn’t think he would make an arrival at 33 weeks.”
Paramedic, Shannon said: “I really couldn’t believe how quiet and calm Jom was. She managed to successfully deliver Jasper without even waking up Hugo! What an extraordinary woman.”
Adam said: “We were over the moon to be able to reunite with the team, from the dispatcher to the crew and I’m so glad they were able to see how well Jasper is now doing. We can’t thank them enough.”
Anne said: “It was lovely for me to hear this amazing story and to be reunited with the family. We loved having cuddles with Jasper and wish them the best for the future.”
Rory said: “We don’t often get the pleasure of delivering babies every day, and so when we do, it’s incredibly special. I can’t thank the family enough for coming in to see us.”
Shannon said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of Jom and Adam’s story, and I am so happy it was the four of us who were a part of this journey with them.”