Surprise home birth of twins becomes “family affair” for Offaly mum
Offaly parents Sarah Dooley and Michael Gallagher were shocked by the early arrival of their twins on Wednesday evening, November 13.
The two baby boys, Tommy and Tadgh, arrived 5 weeks before their expected due date of December 19 in the kitchen of the families home.
Five paramedics helped Sarah to deliver the twins, with the mother and babies being transferred to Ballinasloe hospital after the birth.
“Tommy was 4lb 14oz, and Tadgh was 5lb 2oz, so very good weight for 5 weeks early and twins as well so we're delighted,” said Sarah on the Ray D'Arcy show.
Tommy was the eldest of the pair, arriving a full 13 minutes before his brother Tadgh.
“The pains came directly after the waters went, and I said to Michael 'Quickly! Ring Mammy! Please ring anyone – they're coming!'”
The birth was a family affair as Sarah's sister Teresa, a qualified nurse, was by her side the entire time, as well as her second sister, her Dad, and her mum Mary who was minding the couple's other sons James (11) and Jack (2).
“I was given the job of keeping the log of the contractions, of course, knowing from the first child you don't really say a whole lot when the contractions are going on, or you'll get yourself in a bit of bother,” said Sarah's partner Michael.
“After 40 minutes, the first child's head came out, and it was a boy. I couldn't believe it because it all happened within an hour and a half.”
The now father-of-four said the birth went as smoothly as they could have hoped for, despite the surprise arrival.
“The paramedics handeled everything so professionally, you can't give them enough praise for what they did. Sarah kept very came, I didn't hear much out of her.
“We were blessed that the two of them came out and there was no complications.”
One of the paramedics, Aidan, was present at the passing of Sarah's brother Seamus last October, she said his presence at the birth felt like a sign.
“I believe that Seamus sent these two twins to me,” Sarah said.