Balwyn parents Laura Slavin and Ben Hudson stunned as labour starts in childbirth class
It’s not what you expect when you’re expecting, but this Balwyn couple got the shock of their lives when their baby started to make an early entrance into the world at a most opportune time.
Inner South
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It’s not what you expect when you’re expecting, but a Balwyn couple got the shock of their lives when their baby started to make an early entrance into the world — during their antenatal childbirth class.
First-time mum Laura Slavin and her partner Ben Hudson were eager to get some tips on labour at Epworth Freemasons in East Melbourne but baby Oliver had other ideas.
Ms Slavin got a huge shock when her waters broke just after she arrived for the first class on January 5.
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The Balwyn couple said they had only just begun class introductions when they realised they probably wouldn’t be staying long.
“Laura thought it was hilarious. I was more in damage control. I found it less funny,” Mr Hudson said.
“We didn’t get to learn what we came to learn!
“We were really lucky though because one, we were already there and two, we didn’t have to pay for parking a second time.”
Ms Slavin, who was 35 weeks pregnant, was swiftly wheeled to the birthing suite, conveniently located on the same floor.
At 4am the next morning, Oliver Leonard Hudson was born fit and healthy at 3.05kg.
Despite being premature, bub and mum were sent home after the usual four days.
Ms Slavin, a doctor, had only started her maternity leave the day before.
The couple were yet to finish their baby shopping and didn’t have a cot or car seat.
“Luckily our parents were on hand to run around to grab what we needed,” Ms Slavin said.
The unprepared parents were in capable hands with antenatal teacher and midwife Joey O’Reilly, who had 36 years’ experience, running the class.
“It’s scary enough having a baby for the first time. But it was beautiful they were in the right place at the right time,” Ms O’Reilly said.
She said the other couples in the class were all a bit shocked but were eager to hear how the birth had gone.
“I was overwhelmed at how fabulously Laura and Ben both coped with everything,” Ms O’Reilly said.
And Ms Slavin said: “It worked out pretty well. No complaints!”
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