Taihape couple, Nikita and Steve, were looking forward to welcoming their third baby into the family. The moment came on Sunday, 12 October and at 11.52am their beautiful baby girl came into the world. However, worryingly, straight after the birth Nikita suffered a post-partum haemorrhage.
“My midwife worked fast and compressed the bleed as much as she could,” said Nikita.
Just as fast was the emergency call for assistance and the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, arriving 20 minutes later.
“My family are all around the area where I live. My sister travelled with the baby in the ambulance and my husband drove to Palmerston North in his car. My parents were in Palmerston North already and they were there when I arrived with my midwife.”
“IT WAS SUCH A RELIEF TO HAVE THE HELICOPTER BECAUSE…. WELL, IT WAS SCARY. I REALLY THOUGHT THIS IS IT,” SAID NIKITA, RECALLING THE MOMENTS.
Nikita was in the operating theatre immediately upon landing and underwent emergency surgery.
“I am now slowly getting back to normal and our baby, Alice, is perfect. It has turned out to be the best outcome.”
“I watch the rescue helicopter programmes on TV and when you see them you think of car accidents, injuries and similar incidents but you don’t think that after birth you will need to be helicoptered out to hospital. I thank your service so much.”