Asda worker learns midwifery after car park birth

A supermarket worker who helped a dad deliver a baby in a car park has gone on to become a qualified midwife, after being inspired by the experience.

Charmaine Taylor, 28, was walking out of the Asda store in Ipswich with a colleague six years ago when they heard some noises, which sounded like someone in pain.

They then discovered a woman in labour in the back of a car and sprung into action.

Taylor said she sat on the phone while they waited for an ambulance, and encouraged the woman's partner to deliver the baby. "It reinforced my desire to pursue a profession where I can advocate for women. It was just a beautiful moment," she said.

Since then, Taylor has completed an access course in midwifery and a degree at university - although she admitted she had to "put it off for many years because I did really have a fear of blood".

"I did childcare at college, but when I finished I knew that wasn't what I wanted to do - and then after that experience [in the car park] I knew I could do midwifery," said Taylor.

"I have a friend who is a qualified midwife and she was like, 'Just go for it', and it set off my journey from there."

Taylor has now helped with 40 births at Ipswich Hospital and has credited her role at the supermarket with teaching her to stay calm.

"I think being in a customer-facing and leadership role allowed me to develop my communication skills, my leadership skills and be able to delegate responsibilities," she said.

"I've definitely been able to transfer those skills into midwifery."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.