A routine Monday morning turned into a life-changing moment when Maitland firefighter, Firdous Seat helped bring her nephew into the world.
Just after 5:00 on Monday 2 March Seat was alerted that her brother’s girlfriend, who lives a few streets away from her, was going into labour.
Seat, who has been a firefighter for the past seven years, said she immediately jumped into action.
“We got a call to say that my brother’s girlfriend was in labour and that we must call an ambulance. Shortly after that they called again to say that she was bleeding.
“I told them I will take them to hospital. When I arrived there, she was already crowning. The mother said she was in too much pain and that she wants to deliver at home.
“My mind was racing because she was booked for a caesarean section meaning she was high-risk.”
Seat said the moment brought a flood of emotions.
“I felt adrenaline and emotions; it was fear and joy at the same time. Everyone around me was panicking. I had to be calm, but I was shaking as well.”
Used to working under pressure, Seat called the fire station control room for back-up but realised she would have to deliver the baby on her own.
“I made a call to our control centre to ask if they could send a vehicle. While I was on the phone I could see the baby’s head already. I handed the phone over and assisted the mother. Within two to three minutes the baby was out.”
“The baby was out and started crying, we were all relieved. We just monitored her until crews from Salt River Fire Station arrived. They delivered the placenta, cut the umbilical cord, and checked her vitals.”
Seat explained that she asked the fire crew to escort the mom and baby to hospital as she still had to prepare for work.
“I had to get ready to start work by 9:00. I arrived late at work, but I had a valid excuse,” she said jokingly.
Though this was her fourth baby delivery, Seat said it was her first time going solo.
“This is my first delivery at home. All the others I was at work and had assistance.”
People’s Post reached out to the mother, Nishaad Ebrahim who was still in hospital at the time.
The mother of five, said this was her second home birth.
“Everything happened so quickly. I wasn’t feeling well the day before I gave birth. I was throwing up. But I didn’t think that meant going into labour. The following day all of a sudden we needed to go to a hospital as I was in labour.”
She explained that she called Seat in a moment of desperation.
“I called Firdous, she was the best person I could think of. I am so grateful to her. I love her. I don’t know what I would have done if she wasn’t there. Everyone was freaking out but she calmed me.
“She did a good job, and I am lucky to have her so close to home.”
Ebrahim said she and her newborn baby boy was healthy and will be discharged from hospital soon.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said: “Our firefighters have a proud track record of bringing newborns into the world and this case is no different, but all the more sweet and touching, considering the family connection.
“Well done to firefighter Seat for remaining calm under pressure, and congratulations to her and her family on the new arrival.”
