'Little miracle' Pregnant woman stabbed in stomach speaks of baby born after horror attack
A WOMAN who was stabbed in the stomach while pregnant has today spoken of the "miracle" baby she gave birth to.
Lauren Oliver, 25, was rushed to hospital after she suffered multiple stab wounds in an attack at her home while seven months pregnant.
Despite her injures her daughter Harper was delivered by an emergency caesarean section and her mother said the child is doing "really well".
The baby, who was born at 33 weeks and weighed 4lb and 1oz, remains in special care at Scunthorpe General Hospital, North Lincolnshire.
Ms Oliver, who is also a mum to six-year-old Ruby, described the newest addition to her family as a "fighter" and "her little miracle".
The riding instructor, from Belton, Lincolnshire, said: "I'm just so happy everything has turned out ok, of course there was a moment when I thought she wouldn't live to be a week old so it's really good to see her doing so well.
"She was just so tiny when she was born, the size of a little doll. I've been able to hold her quite a bit when they take her out of the incubator, and she is taking milk.
"She was on a ventilator for the first four days of her life but thankfully she's breathing on her own now, that's a real relief.
"It didn't feel real when I held her for the first time. It was just the best feeling ever. I didn't think she would be there. I can't describe how happy I was."
It didn't feel real when I held her for the first time. It was just the best feeling ever
Ms Oliver added that her and Harper were both "so lucky" and that her elder daughter "absolutely loves" her younger sister.
She said she and Harper are taking it "one day at a time" after their ordeal.
Her neighbours spoke of their shock at the attack that took place in the morning on Wednesday 11 June.
Matthew Rawson, 28, said: "Lauren is a fun and bubbly girl...very genuine and a great mum.
"My kids adore her. We're a close community and we are all so relieved they are both fine. Nothing like that's happened round here before."
Another 50-year old neighbour explained how Ms Oliver was taken to hospital by ambulance as an air ambulance hovered overhead.
She said: "I can't imagine how her family feel must have gone through. Lauren's a hardworking young mum and a friend of my daughters.
"Thank goodness they made it through. Someone must have been watching out for them that day."
Nicholas James Leaning, 28, from Scunthorpe, has been charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of attempted child destruction.
He will appear in court on Hull Crown Court on Monday and remains in custody.
Police are still appealing for information, in particular a silver Ford Focus and red Seat Leon that may been seen on the day of the alleged assault.
The vehicles might have been seen in Ashtree Close.
• Anyone with information should call Humberside police on 101 quoting log 131 of June 11 2014.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
