Hands-on constable assists birth

After less than eight months on the beat, Constable Tanya Davarle was faced with her biggest challenge - delivering a baby in the back seat of a car.

Fresh out of police college, the Henderson policewoman found her emergency training tested when father-to-be Sean Stewart, en route to hospital, sought her help in Titirangi Rd.

Mrs Davarle had pulled a car over when Mr Stewart ran up to her and yelled: "I think my wife is having a baby."

The 29-year-old constable went straight to the wife, Helen, who was lying down in the back of the car.

"There was no time for niceties really. I could see the baby was coming and there was no way she was going to make it to hospital," Mrs Davarle said.

As it emerged, she supported its head and made sure the umbilical cord was not wrapped around its throat.

The ambulance arrived just a few minutes after Olivia Stewart, weighing 3.175kg, was born.

Mr Stewart cut the umbilical cord before mother and baby were taken to hospital.

"It was really exciting and a highlight I will remember of the rest of my life," said Mrs Davarle.

The birth happened on December 19, and this week Mrs Davarle was planning to visit the Stewart family for a barbecue and to check on Olivia.

"Being the first person to touch a little human being is a very special thing, and I will always keep in touch with this family."