Two sisters who coincidently fell pregnant at the same time gave birth in the same hospital – just two hours apart.
Helen Robbins and Laura Harkins both went into labour last Wednesday night and were rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Helen, 34, was bang on time with her due date while Laura, 32, was a week late, bringing their labours into line.
Laura gave birth first at 3.30am the following morning after seven-and-a-half hours’ labour to son Ted, weighing 9lb 9oz.
Two hours later Helen safely had daughter Lily Belle – her second – who weighed 7lb 9oz.
The sisters spent their recoveries in separate wards before going home.
Council worker Helen, of Histon, Cambs., said: “We both knew there was a possibility we’d give birth about the same time.
“I was due this week, and Laura was due a week ago.
“But we never ever imagined it would happen so close together. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
She added: “With both babies coming almost at the same time, it’s very special for both of us.
“It will be special for them in their future lives as well, both having birthdays on the same day.”
Helen and husband Mark, an accountant, already have an 18 month-old daughter Florence.
Baby Ted is the first child for Laura and and her engineer husband Ralf, who live in Waterbeach, Cambs.
Laura, a journalist, said: “It was pretty weird when we both found out we were pregnant at the same time, and were due on almost the same date.
“But we never dreamed we’d give birth on the same day, let alone within a couple of hours of each other.
“I think it’ll mean that Ted and Lily Belle will be very close as they grow up.”
The sisters’ mum Diane Johnston said: “Everybody’s delighted for them both.”
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