Mother left sobbing with joy after assisting in her own Caesarean

A West Lothian woman says she was 'sobbing with joy' after a maternal-assisted Caesarean at University Hospital Wishaw, reported as the first time the procedure has been used in Scotland.

Leila El Alti, 39, has described feeling "sobbing with joy" after helping to deliver her daughter by a maternal-assisted Caesarean at University Hospital Wishaw. The process involved Ms El Alti wearing scrubs and taking an active role in the final part of the birth while clinicians supported the operation. NHS Lanarkshire says the birth, carried out last year, is thought to be the first time the method has been used in Scotland. Ms El Alti said she requested the option after traumatic experiences with previous births and after developing post-traumatic stress. Key details: - Mother: Leila El Alti, 39, from West Lothian and originally from Lebanon. - Procedure: maternal-assisted Caesarean at University Hospital Wishaw, reported as the first use of the method in Scotland. - Birth: the lead obstetrician delivered the baby's head and shoulders; Ms El Alti then grasped her daughter Aurora under the arms and lifted her onto her chest. - Recovery: Ms El Alti reported an easier recovery than previous C-sections; she and Aurora had no complications and went home the next day. - Care and planning: NHS Lanarkshire staff held multiple discussions and ran a simulation using a doll; Trudi Marshall, the board's executive nurse director, described the approach as person-centred and trauma-informed. Summary: Ms El Alti described pulling her daughter onto her chest as a deeply emotional and positive moment and said the experience left her euphoric for weeks. Undetermined at this time.