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Tiny bundle of joy comes two months early

John Fahey
27/ 1/2005

THE family of a teenager who gave birth to her first baby two months early have spoken of their relief that mother and child are well.

Jodie Bolton, 18, of Washington Street, Accrington, was due to give birth to her first baby in March.

But after she went prematurely into labour Jodie, a former pupil of The Hollins, Accrington, was rushed to a specialist unit at Lancaster Hospital as there were no suitable beds closer to home.

Grandmother Sharon, 43, said: "I got a call last Thursday morning and raced to Lancaster. I arrived just in time for the birth of our little boy, Coby-Jay, at 3lbs 13oz.

"Obviously, premature babies are often in danger because they're so tiny.

"I was so relieved he was OK. He brings a tear to my eye every time I see him because he's a strong little lad, a real fighter. He's still in an incubator but is breathing by himself. We're all absolutely thrilled to have him here."

Jodie, who lives with partner Darren Prestage, 19, had faced the prospect of having to commute to Lancaster every day for months to see her baby.

But fortunately for the family, Jodie - who was herself only 6lbs when she was born - and Coby-Jay were transferred to Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, after five days in Lancaster.

Sharon, who is the stewardess at Bold Street Working Men's Club in Accrington, said: "It would have been a nightmare if we'd had to use public transport to get up there.

"It wouldn't have been feasible for Jodie after the tiring time she's had.

"We've been relying on my mum driving us up the motorway, but she's 70 and it's a lot of responsibility to put on her."

This week Jodie was recovering with her family.

She said: "I'm feeling fine now, just a bit tired from a hectic week. Everything is going well and I can't wait to have my son at home."