Dogs make our lives so much more enjoyable. But can it make one of the most painful human experiences better?
Charlotte Beard has recently given birth in a UK hospital with an aid dog by her side during the whole process. She was accompanied by Flump, a two year old Maltese, during her labour.
The reason?
Charlotte suffers from non-epileptic seizures and Flump is trained to detect oncoming seizures before they happen.
Thus, during the 50 hour labour process, Flump was always by her bedside. Charlotte prepared the adorable and fluffy Maltese for the hospital environment by playing audio tracks of babies crying at home.
After several trips to the maternity ward at Poole hospital, Flump grew accustomed to the doctors and nurses as well. He became familiar with all the staff, the equipment, and the layout of the hospital.
Having their pet dogs by their side could significantly reduce their anxiety during labour, Charlotte said. Actually, assistance dogs are legally allowed inside hospitals.
This is a fact that many hospitals are unaware of.
However, as this was the first time that the hospital had an assistance pet present during birth, the staff had to do a lot of research and prepare risk assessments beforehand.
While Charlotte has complete faith in the nurses’ abilities should she have a seizure, they are not able to detect if a seizure is about to occur.
This is where Flump is unique.
As Flump is able to detect the onset of a seizure before it actually happens, it gives the nurses extra time to make sure that Charlotte is safe.
Charlotte Beard was a former wildlife rehabilitator but had to stop working due to her health condition. She gave birth to a healthy boy, with her partner Ash Phoenix and her dog Flump right beside her.
A New Idea?
The idea of giving birth with an assistance dog present wasn’t actually Charlotte’s idea. It was suggested to Charlotte by a doctor as a method to reduce her anxiety and give her confidence.
This is because Charlotte has had three miscarriages previously and returning back to the hospital might trigger some trumatic memories.
Charlotte got Flump when he was just 10 weeks old, and he has been a valuable member of the family ever since.
It’s become even more special, as Flump was one of the first to welcome Alfie into the world. It can be said, without a doubt, that Flump’s presence made the occasion even more special.
So what about you? Would you want your dog to be by your side when you’re giving birth? Let us know in the comments section below.