An anxious mum has been helped through pregnancy and childbirth by a “canine midwife”.
Amee Tomkin’s assistance dog Belle was on the maternity ward with her up until the moment she went to theatre for a caesarean… and was the first to meet her new son Olly.
The animal is believed to be one of the first dogs in the UK ever to be allowed on a hospital labour unit.
Amee has had Belle since she was pup to help her cope with her autism, anxiety and panic attacks.
And hospital chiefs were so impressed by her they allowed the pet on the ward to help calm her nervous 33-year-old owner.
Amy, of Milton Keynes, Bucks, said: “Belle was waiting patiently in the hospital room when I went to theatre.
“And when I was wheeled back, she was the first to meet Olly. I couldn’t have done it without her.
“As soon as she saw Olly, she gently sniffed him then gave his face a tiny lick to welcome him. Since then she has never left his side.”
Belle was allowed to sleep on Amee’s hospital bed and would rest her nose gently on her bump. She said: “It was as though she was checking the baby’s heartbeat when I was pregnant.”
Amee, who had Olly at Milton Keynes University Hospital in April, bought Belle in 2021 after feeling an instant connection with the pup.
The dog accompanied her through fertility treatment, scans and midwife appointments during her pregnancy.
Amee added: “Belle can detect symptoms of a panic attack, and helps me find exits in crowded places if she senses my anxiety.
“She presses buttons on lifts and even holds my debit card against the machine to pay for things.
“Basically, without her, I’m too anxious to leave the house. I’d just stay indoors all day and every day.”
