Gisborne woman diagnosed with cancer gives birth

Ryder Michael Dangermouse Elsmore was born prematurely by caesarean. Photo / Supplied

After a grave cancer diagnosis, a Gisborne woman has delivered her baby boy today.

Charlie Elsmore married her partner, Shawn, on Saturday, just days after finding out she has late stage melanoma at 31 weeks of pregnancy.

Today, the couple welcomed their son, Ryder Michael Dangermouse Elsmore, who was born prematurely by caesarean before Mrs Elsmore travels to Australia without him for lifesaving treatment.

Weighing just 1.9kg, Ryder was born this morning, said Mr Elsmore.

"He's ... a little bit little but the doctors have said he's doing really well," he said. "Charlie has come out of theatre and is resting comfortably and is preparing for a bit of time with bubs."

Mrs Elsmore, 38, was diagnosed with melanoma after noticing two moles on her chest last month. Tests showed they were a symptom of the cancer that had also spread to her liver, pancreas, spleen, lungs and brain.

She arrived at Auckland City Hospital last Wednesday.

Her husband - who proposed at her hospital bedside and married his bride in the hospital chapel - said his wife would likely travel to Australia later this week to receive lifesaving treatment that was not available in New Zealand.

The wedding service for Shawn Elsmore and Charlie Nicholson, held in the Auckland City Hospital chapel. Photo / Michael Craig

Due to the affect air travel could have on the cancer in her brain, their son had to be delivered before she left.

Mr Elsmore said Ryder will have to stay in neonatal care in Auckland for up to three months and now he has to decide whether to stay with his new baby or accompany his seriously ill wife to Australia.

The couple wed on Saturday in front of friends and family who travelled to Auckland to watch the bride and groom cast aside their troubles for the day.