Is Max King’s Mill’s biggest ever baby?

Friends and medical staff kept telling mum-to-be Charlene Wells to expect a bumper delivery when she gave birth to her first child.
Baby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene WellsBaby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene Wells
Baby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene Wells

But when baby Max was born three weeks ago the new arrival was so big that none of his clothes fitted and family had to rush out and buy some more.

Weighing in at a massive 13lb 10oz when he came into the world on New Year’s Eve, the little boy could well be the biggest baby ever delivered at King’s Mill Hospital.

Proud mum Charlene (25), from Shirebrook, told Chad: “When I was expecting Max I was quite big - in fact people kept saying to me that they’d never seen anyone quite as big as me.

Baby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene Wells and grandad BrianBaby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene Wells and grandad Brian
Baby Max Wells born at 2.07am on the 31st December 2013 at Kings Mill Hospital and weighing 13lb 10oz with mum Charlene Wells and grandad Brian

“But it was my first time and I really didn’t know how big I was supposed to be. Staff at the hospital said they thought he could be as big as 10lb, but not as big as he eventually was. He’s certainly finding his feet. He’s very vocal - I don’t need an alarm clock.”

Charlene was induced on 29th December and put on bed-rest at King’s Mill to wait for nature to take its course.

Sister-in-law, King’s Mill care assistant Kayleigh Betts, was on standby as birthing partner. And grandad-to-be Brian Wells, who also works at the hospital, was poised for the big moment.

But due to complications Charlene was rushed into theatre for an emergency Caesarian and almost had to go through the ordeal alone.

She said: “Dad and Kayleigh were staying with me in relays but Kayleigh had just left me to go on shift and dad was looking for somewhere to park when they came and told me I needed to go to theatre.

“I was frantically calling, saying that I was all on my own - but dad managed to make it in time, so he was with me.

“I was at King’s Mill for two and-a-half weeks and the hospital were absolutely amazing.

“After he was born, one of the nurses said she thought Max could be the biggest baby ever delivered there.”

Head of midwifery Alison Whitham said: “We pride ourselves on the excellent maternity services we provide and are delighted that mum and baby are doing well.

“At birth the average baby weighs about 7.5lb. So at 13lb 10oz, baby Max is possibly one of the largest babies ever delivered at King’s Mill Hospital.”