A MAN worked with nurses in secret and used his newborn baby to propose to his girlfriend via a message on a babygrow, just a day after she spent 25 hours in labour.

The couple are now celebrating both the birth of their son, and their engagement.

Scott Gretton surprised his girlfriend, Rachel Taylor, with a proposal in the hospital delivery unit by working in secret with midwives to dress his new – and unnamed – child in a babygrow that read “Mammy, will you marry my daddy?”

Miss Taylor gave birth in the delivery unit at the University Hospital of North Tees on Tuesday, March 31, in the evening, following a challenging 25-hour labour.

Though surprised at the timing, she said a proposal was “expected”.

Mr Gretton, who had been at the hospital for the birth, but had to leave the unit soon after due to covid-19 rules, returned to visit on Wednesday morning.

It was then he dressed his new as yet un-named 7lb 10oz boy in a babygrow, which played a key part in his proposal strategy.

Mr Gretton, who works for a construction company, said: “I have discussed with Rachel about proposing before.

“I’d bought a ring a couple of weeks ago and got two yeses from her family, so I was ready.

“I’m not sure she expected me to ask the question while she was still in the delivery unit though.

“She had quite a challenging and long labour – she did so well and the staff were incredible in helping deliver our little boy.

“Because of the strict infection control restrictions, partners have to leave after the birth which is understandable.

“My plan was – working secretly with the staff in the unit – to return the next morning to surprise her.

“Luckily it all worked out; she saw the message and said 'yes'.

“I’m so grateful to all of the maternity team. The care was second to none and the midwives were so helpful setting up the big surprise.”

Soon-to-be Mrs Gretton, who runs a beauty business, said: “I knew a proposal was on its way at some point in the near future.”

However, the couple, from Seaton Carew, plan to spend some quality family time together before tying the knot, given the current situation with coronavirus.

The bride-to-be added: “The way it [the proposal] was done was a big surprise, it was such a nice thing for Scott and the staff to do.

“Thank you to the whole team for everything they’ve done, we appreciate it so much.”

Midwife Kate Flannery said: “The whole team would like to send a double-congratulations to the Scott, Rachel and their beautiful baby boy.

“It’s wonderful to have such good news at this time.”