Incredible story of bravery and strength! Alanna Rooke gave birth to her son, Franklyn, right in the middle of a bustling A&E, despite battling a heart emergency. 💪❤️
Alanna was nearly 40 weeks pregnant when she experienced a seizure at home. Her heart was racing at more than double the normal rate, and her oxygen levels were dangerously low. Her husband, Simon, called 999 in panic and rushed her to Morriston Hospital himself when every second mattered.
Once at the hospital, Alanna’s severe condition was recognised—she was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) that had her heart racing. Amidst this storm of medical challenges, Alanna went into labour.
“I blacked out and just remember being in pain,” shares Alanna. “The medical team and midwives were absolutely brilliant. They saved us.”
On a day when the A&E was busier than ever, Alanna delivered a healthy boy, Franklyn, weighing 8lb 2oz. He spent six days in the neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital before joining his parents at home.
“It was surreal,” said midwife Claire Itzstein, who played a key role in Franklyn’s delivery. “We were delivering a baby next to a defibrillator. Totally out of our comfort zone!”
Amanda Morgan, another midwife who was part of the team, said, “We were worried Alanna could have a cardiac arrest during labour. It was intense, but everyone worked seamlessly together.”
Since 1991, only a couple of births have occurred at Morriston Hospital, and this was one of those extraordinary occasions. 🏥✨
A huge round of applause to the incredible hospital staff and to Alanna and Simon for their courage. Welcome to the world, Franklyn! 🎉👶
#HeroicBirth #IncredibleMum #TeamWork #SwanseaStories