A TOTTON couple have shared their festive joy after their baby daughter Myla-Rose arrived on Christmas Eve.
For new mum Shannon Whittaker and dad Dorian Brahalila, the days leading up to Myla-Rose’s arrival proved rather stressful after a water supply issue effecting Totton and Southampton led to a planned caesarean being called off on 19th December.
Shannon, who runs her own beauty therapy business, revealed they were contacted by Princess Anne Hospital and told her planned operation was being postponed.
Myla-Rose with proud parents Shannon Whittaker and Dorian Brahalila
She said: “Because of the water problems all the planned operations were pushed back. It was a bit strange because we thought she would be born on December 19th and suddenly that wasn’t happening anymore.”
With no water at their home in Totton, the couple decided to travel to New Milton to stay at Hoborne Naish where Shannon’s aunt owns a holiday home.
Shannon said: “It was very lucky that we were able to go and stay at Hoborne – so I spent the last few days there before Myla-Rose arrived. I was feeling a bit anxious about it all and without any water we couldn’t stay at home.”
Myla-Rose Brahalila arrived on Christmas Eve
Shannon’s C-section was then rescheduled for Christmas Eve with Myla-Rose arriving at 3.02pm and tipping the scales at 7lbs 10oz.
After spending the night at hospital, Shannon and Myla-Rose were able to return home to Totton on Christmas Day.
Shannon said: “I kept having a feeling that she was going to arrive on Christmas Day so I was pleased when it was Christmas Eve. My family were very lovely and waited until Boxing Day for us to celebrate our Christmas together.
“Myla-Rose is the perfect Christmas gift for us.”