Midwife delivers best friend's baby after hospital told her she wasn't in labour

A midwife had a very special surprise delivery - when her best friend went into labour at home.

Danielle Madden, 26, had been to hospital to be induced, but was sent home to get her bags after being told she wasn’t in labour yet.

But when she started to experience a lot of pain, her best friend, midwife Robyn Bowden, 23, called round to check on her.

Within minutes Danielle’s waters broke and Robyn immediately realised there wouldn’t be time to get to hospital so set about preparing her friend to deliver the baby in her bedroom, there and then. And the friends didn’t have long to wait, with 7lbs 6oz baby Ralph arriving just six minutes later.

The birth went so well that Danielle was allowed to stay at her Wardle home with fiancée Darren Platzer and their older son 16-month-old Roman, after being checked over by paramedics and another midwife.

Robyn, from Littleborough, said:

Danielle’s sister Becky Hall had also called round to the house, after becoming concerned when a text message to Danielle went unanswered, and was able to help Robyn deliver the baby.Now she is considering training as a midwife.Danielle said:

The experience has brought Danielle and Robyn, who have been friends most of their lives, even closer together. Their dads are also best friends and Robyn is godmother to Roman, and will be to Ralph.Danielle added: