A MOTHER who was left feeling like a "freak" after the botched forceps delivery of her second child, launched a legal battle for compensation yesterday.
Jill Allen suffered serious physical and emotional injury after the birth of Kieran in October 1996 at Dryburn Hospital in Durham.
She told Newcastle County Court how she needed two operations to repair the damage to her body and is still receiving counselling.
The hospital has admitted it was negligent by carrying out a forceps delivery, and that excessive pressure and force were used. It has also admitted that proper consent to carry out the procedure was not obtained from Mrs Allen.
She told the court: "I was crying all the time and having terrible panic attacks. I didn't want my husband to see me because I felt like a freak.
"I didn't feel like a complete woman anymore. We had a good life before the birth."
Mrs Allen, of Lomond Place, Garden Farm, Chester-le-Street, said she has begun to pick herself up again and gave birth to another boy, Matthew, last December.
Kieran, who suffered head injuries during the birth, is also suing the hospital. The hospital denies liability in his case.
The trial continues.
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