Mother survives birth of baby girl after losing an entire BODY'S worth of blood

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About 25 doctors and midwives rushed to the scene to save the life of Rebecca McDermott after she gave birth on Friday.

The 24-year-old from Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, underwent nine blood transfusions and was taken into theatre twice.

Lucky: Rebecca McDermott with proud dad Andrew Mitchell and baby Hayley

In total she lost around six litres of blood. The average adult's body contains around five.

Ms McDermott spent two days in intensive care at the Sharoe Green Unit at Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire but is expected to make a full recovery after leaving hospital on Tuesday.

Despite the traumatic labour, her baby daughter Hayley was born safely, weighing 8lbs 30z, and is doing very well.

Ms McDermott, who works as a catering assistant at the same hospital, said: "I was very lucky. They said it was touch and go - the nurses said they had never seen anything as serious in over 19 years. There was a 50-50 chance I would survive.

"I lost six litres of blood and ended up going into theatre. I spent Friday and Saturday in intensive care.

"I was absolutely terrified but I am so grateful to all of the staff. I just want to thank the NHS. If it wasn't for them I would not be here today.

"My daughter is perfectly fine - she is absolutely beautiful and I love her to bits."

Her partner Andrew Mitchell, 27, said: "Hayley is a miracle baby. She's got my blue eyes and mousy, light-coloured hair. She has got chubby cheeks and a little nose like my partner's.

"She has never cried - she's been absolutely fantastic through a time like this.

"Doctors said Rebecca haemorrhaged, which is normal in childbirth, but to bleed on such a scale is rare. Rebecca thought she was dying."

Mr Mitchell, who works as a warehouse operative, added: "I'm feeling a lot better that my missus is still here. We have had a lucky escape."

A spokesman for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is nice for staff to get recognition for their hard work and commitment."