Baby Benjamin makes big entry to the world

A Townsville couple’s unexpected wedding crasher was the best gift of the day after their first bub made an impromptu entrance about a month early.

Hannah and Nathan Buckley-Thirkell tied the knot earlier this year but the big day took a backseat to little Benjamin’s big arrival.

“I was having slight pains during the ceremony but I didn’t really know what they were and I was talking myself down because I also put it down to wedding-day jitters and feeling a bit nervous,” Hannah said.

She realised she was in labour just before the reception but had the support of a midwife and a student midwife who attended the wedding.

Nathan said he was shocked when Hannah told him she was in labour.

The couple called the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) Birth Suite and spoke to a midwife about the labour and make sure the little one was safe.

‘I told them I thought I might be in labour. The lady asked me about my contractions but I told her I was not really timing them because I was at my wedding,” she said.

Hannah said a funny joke planned ahead of time ended up a bit too literal on the day with the couple walking into their reception as the Salt-N-Pepa song ‘Push It!’ played/

“We had organised to play the song as a really funny joke but I was standing there actually in labour,” Hannah said.

“Nobody knew at this point either because I didn’t want anyone to fuss over me but as I walked in I just thought it was so embarrassing.”

The couple cut their cake, farewelled their guests and drove to TUH where midwives were waiting for them. 

Little Benjamin arrived happy and healthy, weighing just under three kilos, about two hours later.

“He was so tiny and just slept for the first three days,” Hannah said.

“He was definitely the best wedding gift.”

Townsville University Hospital Midwifery Unit Manager Honey Newman said she was proud of the work the midwifery team did everyday

“Our midwives truly strive to provide women and family-centred care to each individual family,” she said.

“On this day the midwifery team knew that it was Hannah and Nathan’s wedding night and honeymoon and did everything they could to make their stay with us as special as possible.

“Every birth is a unique and special experience and I’m sure Hannah and Nathan will share this lovely story with baby Benjamin and family and friends for years to come.”