The Scot — who’s already had two children — was stunned by the sheer size of Child No. 3, but says her long labor went surprisingly smoothly.
“You can’t imagine giving birth to a 12-pound baby being an enjoyable experience, but it was,” Harvey told South West News Service.
“It was relaxed. I’m sure it was because I was at home,” the overjoyed mama added.
Harvey labored in a birthing pool set up in her living room and was assisted by a team of midwives. In total, she was in labor for eight-and-a-half hours.
Ruth Harvey, 36, decided to welcome newborn Tabitha at home in Ayrshire, Scotland, on Feb 28., despite living just 10 minutes away from a hospital.
“You can’t imagine giving birth to a 12-pound baby being an enjoyable experience, but it was,” Harvey told South West News Service.
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“Tabitha was born two-and-a-half weeks over her due date, she looked well cooked,” Harvey stated. “I think I make big babies anyway. My other two were 9 pounds, 9 ounces and 10 pounds, 1 ounce.”
“We know the team of midwives haven’t had a baby this big during a home birth,” she continued. “She’s a really big baby, a lot of people have commented but so far nobody has said their baby was bigger.”
Prior to the birth, Harvey’s husband, Eddie Gillan, 44, decorated the living room with fairy lights in order to create a calming atmosphere.
After giving birth, Harvey was stunned by Tabitha’s size. She went to the library to find the Guinness Book of World Records, thinking that her newborn might measure up to some other large tots.
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“Tabitha was born two-and-a-half weeks over her due date, she looked well cooked,” Harvey stated.
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The couple also made sure to cover the floor with towels so nothing got too messy in the process.
“It was such a great experience, the midwives were phenomenal,” Harvey recalled.
“The recovery has been quicker, I’m doing the school run again,” she added. “The aromatherapy and acupuncture [have helped with the recovery]. People think, ‘Oh God, what is this hippy stuff?’ but it’s great.”
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“She’s a really big baby, a lot of people have commented but so far nobody has said their baby was bigger,” the mom cooed.
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Baby Tabitha arrived into the world after an eight-and-a-half-hour-long labor.
Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS
After giving birth, Harvey was stunned by Tabitha’s size. She went to the library to consult the Guinness Book of World Records, thinking that her newborn might measure up to some other large tots.
