Meet little Millie from Corby one of the UK's first lockdown babies born on night new rules enforced

A Corby baby has become one the UK's first coronavirus lockdown babies, coming into the world just hours after Prime Minsiter Boris Johnson announced new laws to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Chelsea and her husband, Matt Best, had travelled from their Oakley Vale home to Northampton General Hospital (NGH) to give birth to their first child, Millie Eliza.

New mum Chelsea Best was preparing for the final push of her labour when midwives at the maternity unit informed the couple that the UK was in lockdown.

Chelsea said: "About an hour before she was born, I clearly remember them telling me 'Boris has put the country into lockdown'.

"Luckily, when we were in labour, Matt was allowed to come in. The difference was that he could only spend an hour with us on labour ward after Millie was born and he wasn't allowed to come to the main ward.

"Millie was born at 23.38 on Monday night (March 23). When he left to go home we didn't know what was happening because of the rules changing. We weren't sure whether he was going to be stopped by the police.

"He didn't see us again until the Tuesday night and that was only for an hour because of the new visiting times. It was quite emotional during those first few precious hours."

Chelsea chose NGH to be closer to one of her three sisters, Sam Frater, a sonographer. Chelsea had hoped she would be able to see a friendly face on the wards but coronavirus restrictions meant it could not happen.

The proud parents' family members have been unable to have a cuddle with the new arrival, instead they have been meeting Millie using video chats and a drive-by 'hello' from a distance.

Grandparents Dorothy and Neil Carter, who live in Little Harrowden, have had to content themselves with waving from the car whilst delivering a food parcel.

Chelsea, 28, a gym instructor, who also works for the family firm with 30-year-old Matt, said: "My mum and dad have waved at us through the window, so has my other sister, and Matt's grandparents, who are in their eighties, have been learning to use Whatsapp to video call us.

"It's not been too bad for us because we'd be at home anyway. It's hard not to have had any family or friends round to come and meet her but Matt's been amazing.

"It was quite scary before the birth because we heard that birthing partners might be banned. It was quite stressful.

"I couldn't have done it without him. I dread to think what would have happened if he hadn't been there. He gave the encouragement to push and I focused on his voice."

They are now settling down to life under lockdown as a new family.

Chelsea added: "Millie is very content and alert, taking in the world around us. We've been for a walk round the block so we're not cooped up all day.

"The health visitor speaks to me on the phone, then runs in to weigh the baby and runs out again.

"When Millie was three days old we stood on the doorstep to clap the NHS. I would like to thank all of the midwives who did everything to keep it normal for us."

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