Home birth shock for parents

Shop boss Darren Dewfield was forced to step into the role of midwife to deliver his baby daughter at his Black Country home.

The 37-year-old had to take quick action when his partner of seven years Natalie Fortuin went into labour at their home in Darlaston Road, Wednesbury.

With no time to wait for an ambulance to arrive, Darren, who runs Stationery Express in Smethwick, took instructions over the phone and delivered bundle of joy Lydia, who weighed 8lb 4ozs.

She was born just 10 minutes after 29-year-old Natalie's waters broke on Sunday. Natalie, who works for a healthcare company, started having contractions at 3.40am,

The couple, who also have a 19-month-old daughter Jasmine, started getting prepared to make the journey to hospital but things escalated quickly.

Darren said: "I dialled 999 because I wanted an ambulance but it all happened there and then."

New mother Natalie said she was "extremely proud" of him.