HAVING a baby in lockdown can be a frightening experience - but mum and daughter Gemma and Sophia Williams have been there for each other as they both gave birth two weeks apart.

Gemma, 39, and her daughter Sophia, 20, were due to give birth just a day apart. When Sophia went into labour two weeks early, Gemma was at the birth to hold her hand.

The mum and daughter have been a huge support for each other throughout their lockdown pregnancies. Sophia’s baby son, Frankie, is the nephew of Gemma’s new daughter, Delilah - even though Frankie is two weeks older. But, says Gemma, they’re “just like twins” and the family is looking forward to them growing up together as playmates.

“Sophia’s due date was September 21, the day before mine, but she ended up having her little boy two weeks early, on September 7,” said Gemma. “I was Sophia’s birth partner - to be by her side when she had Frankie was amazing. It was the best experience.

“I was 36 weeks pregnant when she was in labour! I had Delilah on September 22, by C-section. Delilah’s birth weight was 6lb 15.5oz and Frankie weighed 7lb 1.5oz.”

Gemma, of Tyersal, says that while it was challenging to have a baby in a pandemic, with Covid safety restrictions in place, staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary were “wonderful”.

“My husband Tom stayed with me in the operating theatre for the delivery but then he had to go, and I spent 24 hours on my own before I could go home,” said Gemma, who also has two sons, three-year-old Taylor and Finlay, 13. “Both Delilah and Frankie were born at the BRI and whilst my experience of childbirth was definitely different this time, all the staff were wonderful. We felt very safe.

“Because of lockdown, Sophia and I couldn’t interact with other mums or family and friends while we were pregnant, so we were lucky to have each other. Sophia was living with us at the time and we were a big support for each other when we brought our new babies home.”

Gemma and Tom run two businesses based at Commerce Court in Cutler Heights - Active Solutions UK Ltd, a power industry recruitment business, and Construction Trade Solutions, a specialist construction recruitment business.

“We are key workers, as we supply electrical sub-station fitters, and we have a great childminder, Little Cherubs, so Taylor was able to continue having interaction with other kids in lockdown, and Finlay studied at home,” said Gemma.

“Now the boys have a new baby sister - and nephew - to play with!”