'How I nearly died giving birth'

By gebrey

A MOTHER has told how she spent five days in intensive care after she lost consciousness while giving birth.

Vicki Hambly went through the heart-stopping drama as she gave birth to new son Thomas at East Surrey Hospital.

Now Vicki, of Station Road, has spoken out, to thank the midwives who helped save the lives of her and little Thomas.

Mrs Hambly said: "What struck me most about the staff in the maternity ward is that they care so much.

"The only reason I survived was because East Surrey Hospital has its own blood bank. If I had gone to a private hospital I would be dead."

The emergency button was pressed on October 10 after doctor's discovered Thomas's heart had stopped beating as the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.

A flurry of medics helped safely deliver Thomas but, just as Vicki was about to hold the baby in her arms, she lost consciousness and started haemorrhaging blood inside her womb.

A five-day spell in intensive care followed before the 33-year-old was allowed to return home for the first time with her baby, husband Rob and daughter Jess, 11.

Mrs Hambly added: "When I finally came round one of the midwives came over and hugged me and said she had been pumping the blood into me when I was bleeding internally.

"She wasn't even working. She just wanted to come and find me and check I was okay.

"I didn't know what to say, I was so touched.

"I owe my life to the midwives and doctors at East Surrey."

Vicki's husband Rob has also paid tribute to the help his wife received at the hospital, in Redhill.

The 30-year-old, who is the director of a building company, said: "Two more contractions and my wife and child would be dead. The midwives and doctors made the instant decisions which saved my family."