A MUM has thanked doctors and nurses who saved her life and that of her baby boy after a New Year's Eve emergency.

Alexa Timbrell, from Eastington, near Stroud was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital last Sunday, New Year's Eve, with pre-eclampsia - a condition which causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can be serious. 

The mum - who previously suffered four miscarriages and was told that the chances of conceiving again were very small - is now thanking staff who delivered bouncing baby boy Renley safely.

He was born 10 days early on New Year's Day weighing 8lb 8oz after an induced labour. 

"My husband and I would like to thank all the wonderful staff at the hospital who saved mine and my baby's life," said self-employed mobile hairdresser Alexa who is married to Sean, CEO of Stroud Court Community Trust.

"They also cared and supported us from start to finish, going above and beyond during a very scary time."

The family had been preparing to spend New Year’s Eve in Cardiff watching the fireworks but were forced to cancel their plans when Alexa became unwell with swollen legs plus stomach and back pain and reduced movement and was told to go to hospital as soon as possible.

"I was told I had pre-eclampsia and would be induced as soon as they could bring my blood pressure down as it was ridiculously high," she said.

"Although the labour and birth was lovely and quick and relatively easy I suffered a huge amount of blood loss." 

But thanks to the care of hospital staff, both mum and baby were allowed home two days later last Wednesday, January 3. 

"Renley is loved so much by us all, he's just a dream," said Alexa, who was planning a home birth.

"We're all just enjoying every minute we spend with him."

The new arrival was an extra special gift for the family because after having three children – Kobe, 14, Harmony, 11 and Roman, six, Alexa suffered four miscarriages and was told there was little chance of conceiving again.

But in May last year the couple, who have been together for 15 years and married for 10, decided to book a child-free holiday to France and were delighted when they found out that Alexa was pregnant just before they left.

"When we found out, we were extremely shocked, nervous but also excited," she said.

“All three children are absolutely besotted with Renley and I am so grateful for how helpful they have been.

“Sean has also been absolutely amazing, he has supported me and looked after me and done absolutely everything.”