A FIFTY-six hour labour for new mum Lynn Mayneord ended in happiness with the birth of baby James William, even though he was eight days late.

He was born weighing 7lb 11oz at the Great Western Hospital at 7.14pm on January 26 to the delight – and relief – of Lynn and her husband Richard.

“I was overjoyed he was here and all in one piece with all his fingers and all his toes,” said 39-year-old Lynn, the finance manager of Swindon Academy.

“I was in labour for 56 hours in total and I was exhausted.

“I went into labour naturally but just couldn’t get to established labour and my contractions were too far apart for about two days.

“I had an easy pregnancy but not an easy labour.”

Eventually she was admitted to hospital at 1am on Wednesday, January 26, and baby James was born that evening.

Lynn said: “ He didn’t want to come out. It was as if he was far too comfortable.

“I went through four different midwives because of different shift changes and had two nights with no sleep. I was absolutely shattered. My husband was with me throughout – I wouldn’t let him go.

“We were so overjoyed James was healthy and we were relieved it was over by that stage. We didn’t know what sex he would be and it was the last little bit of a surprise.”

The couple and their newborn have had visits from proud relatives in Swindon and from Richard’s family in Birmingham.

Richard, 37, has had time off from his job as a graphic designer to get used to being a dad, and preparations are under way for Lynn’s 40th birthday on February 20.

Lynn said motherhood takes some getting used to.

“It turns your world upside down but it is a lovely upside down. It’s nice James has arrived before my birthday. He is the best birthday present I could have. James is contented baby and I’m trying to be as chilled out as possible.”