Just Williams - meet the two Hartlepool babies born with the same name just days apart

Two baby boys called WIlliam were brought into the world with the help of the same midwife in Hartlepool.
Babies William Ferry, left, and William Dunnett, right.Babies William Ferry, left, and William Dunnett, right.
Babies William Ferry, left, and William Dunnett, right.

Sarah Ferry was the first to give birth to her baby William in the University Hospital of Hartlepool’s newly-refurbished Rowan Suite.

Four days later Sally Dunnett gave birth to her baby William at her home in the town.

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Midwife Caz Wood provided “continuity of care” throughout both Sarah’s and Sally’s pregnancies.

Baby William Ferry, born in the Rowan Suite at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, on Saturday, March 6.Baby William Ferry, born in the Rowan Suite at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, on Saturday, March 6.
Baby William Ferry, born in the Rowan Suite at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, on Saturday, March 6.

Continuity of Care is a national initiative that offers new mums the security of seeing the same community midwife throughout their pregnancies.

The rapport can relax the expectant mums and reduce the need for intrusive painkillers.

Sarah Ferry, 33, from Hartlepool, and her partner, accountant Dave Hosker, 39, already have two young children, Thomas, four, and Isabelle, three.

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Sarah, who is herself a sister in the University Hospital of Hartlepool’s rapid response team, said: “The whole experience was perfect.

Baby William Dunnett, born at his home in Hartlepool on Wednesday, March 10.Baby William Dunnett, born at his home in Hartlepool on Wednesday, March 10.
Baby William Dunnett, born at his home in Hartlepool on Wednesday, March 10.

“We were treated like royalty and any anxieties were quickly put at ease. Caz and her colleague Lyndsey Hepburn were just so reassuring.”

Sarah and Dave were back home with William, who weighed 9lb10oz, by 6am the day after Sarah gave birth on March 6.

Sally Dunnett, 30, and her husband Liam, a 29-year-old mechanic, from Hartlepool, opted for a home birth for their second child.

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Already parents to two-year-old Arthur, the couple wanted to be at home when they first met their baby.

Two-year-old Arthur Dunnett with his new baby brother William.Two-year-old Arthur Dunnett with his new baby brother William.
Two-year-old Arthur Dunnett with his new baby brother William.

Sally, a video banker said giving birth at home on March 10 was “everything” she wanted, adding: “Caz was with us throughout the pregnancy and had dropped off a box of things we’d need for the birth a few days earlier.

“We had everything lined up, but we didn’t have quite enough towels. I delivered William standing up in the living room and it was over very quickly, less than two hours really.

“Seeing Caz throughout the pregnancy was a huge help. She built up a real relationship with me, Liam and our toddler Arthur. It’s like she became part of the family. I almost don’t want her to discharge me from her care!”

Midwife Caz Wood said: “The two Williams are doing great. They’re perfect little bundles that will bring nothing but joy, even during the sleepless nights.”

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