A SOUTHBOURNE couple are celebrating an extra special present after welcoming a new baby on Christmas Day. 

Jo Fackrell, aged 39, gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 1.59pm on December 25, weighing in at 7lbs 3oz.

The baby was due on Christmas Eve; however, on Christmas Day, Jo and her partner, Andy Broadwell, were told that she needed to deliver her baby via a C-section.

The couple went to the hospital to monitor the pregnancy after Jo noticed the baby wasn't moving.

Jo Fackrell said: "We are really lucky that we got to the hospital and got the care that we needed straight away."

"It all happened very quickly and unexpectedly.

It was an amazing surprise, and luckily, he was born safely."

Jo is already a mum to her 19-year-old daughter Jasmine.

Jo said: "Jasmine is very excited to have a new baby brother."

The family managed to open a couple of Christmas presents on Christmas morning before they rushed to Poole Hospital's Maternity Unit.

Jo said: "We've still got a few presents to exchange with the family, but we have already got the biggest present of all."

Baby Broadwell has not yet been given a name; however, they have been brainstorming and have narrowed it down to their top three.

Jo wanted to thank all the staff at Poole Hospital who supported her during the birth of her son.

She said: "I would like to thank the fantastic staff at Poole Maternity

Unit for ensuring the safe arrival of a beautiful boy.

"They were absolutely fantastic; we were so well looked after."

She added: "We feel very lucky."

The family left the hospital at 7pm on December 26, just one day after giving birth. 

Jo said: "We were hoping to get out of the hospital fairly quickly so we could introduce the baby to my daughter, Jasmine."

She added: "I am very sore but happy to be home."

Jo and her fiancé Andy have been together for nearly five years and plan to marry in May 2024.

The couple have planned a forest wedding in Brockenhurst, where Jo's daughter Jasmine will be a bridesmaid.