dboyle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Young Michaela Barton has given herself a headstart in a career as a midwife – by delivering her own sister!

The 13-year-old Gravesend girl sprung into action when mum Stacey went into labour in the middle of the night.

Following instructions from a 999 operator, she safely delivered healthy baby Emma – just moments before paramedics arrived.

Single mum Stacey, 34, said: “Michaela’s been to a couple of midwifery appointments with me so must have been listening carefully.

“She kept very calm and a few minutes later the baby was in my arms. It was unbelievable.”

Now Michaela has been commended at an awards ceremony for inspirational young people.

Her mum went into labour during heavy snowfall at about 12.30am on January 10.

Michaela woke up her brothers Thomas, 12, Charlie, eight, and Louie, two, before phoning 999.

When it became clear her mum was close to giving birth, she had to take the steep learning curve herself.

Three minutes after the baby was successfully delivered a stunned ambulance crew arrived and cut the umbilical cord.

Michaela, now 14, said: “I didn’t really think about what I was doing at the time, I just got on with it. My friends couldn’t believe it when I told them.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do when I get older – maybe become a midwife.”

The Bartons moved to Gravesend from London a year ago.

She said: “Michaela has been so helpful with cleaning, cooking and caring for her brothers and sister.

“I couldn’t have coped without her so am really proud that she’s been recognised.”

Michaela was one of half a dozen youngsters to be presented with Try Angle awards by Kent County Council.