What began as a casual evening watching post-National Day celebrations together on the rooftop of their Punggol HDB block quickly turned into an unforgettable night for two neighbouring families.
Mrs Nur Amalina Mohamed Ismail went into labour at home on Aug 10. With no time to go to the hospital, she ended up delivering her baby daughter with the help of her husband and their next-door neighbours.
“I had mild contractions since noon and had even arranged for our neighbours to look after our two daughters if we needed to go to the hospital the next day,” Mrs Amalina, 34, recalled. The baby was not due until Aug 17, she added.
By 10pm, however, the contractions intensified, and panic set in.
Her husband, Mr Dzukri Bachtiar Mohammed Zulkifli, a 40-year-old field service engineer, said that they found themselves alone as his parents were on holiday and his sister couldn’t arrive until 11pm. He quickly knocked on his neighbours’ door for help.
On the other side of the door, senior communications manager Mrs Latashni Gobi Nathan, 35, her husband Mr Pradap Salgunan, 37, and Mrs Latashni’s best friend Mrs Sangeetha Neela Selvakumar, 37, were finishing up dinner at their house.
When they rushed over to help, they found Mrs Amalina on her knees in pain at the doorway. Moments later, her water bag burst, and the plan to go to the hospital went out the window.
Mrs Latashni and Mrs Sangeetha supported her through the pain, offering comfort and reassurance by rubbing her back, while also helping to calm the couple’s six-year-old eldest daughter, who had awoken during the commotion.
“None of us were prepared, but everything just flowed naturally,” Mrs Sangeetha noted.
Mr Dzukri helped to pull the newborn out safely at around 10.30pm. Paramedics arrived just minutes after, cutting the umbilical cord and confirming both mother and baby were well before rushing them to the hospital.
Even after the delivery, the neighbours stayed behind to help, cleaning the flat and ensuring Mrs Amalina’s family could rest upon their return.
The incident cemented the strong bond between the families, who had been living next to each other since early 2023. They shared that they often decorated corridors and celebrated festive occasions together.
“I was worried about complications, but thankfully everything went smoothly,” Mrs Amalina said. “Our neighbours helped without hesitation and checked on us the next day as well, even making sure we had food. Not everyone would do that.”
“It felt like family looking out for family,” said Mr Dzukri, reflecting on the experience as a reminder of the old kampung spirit.
Mrs Sangeetha, who had only been visiting her friend that evening, said the experience gave her newfound confidence. “Sometimes we doubt ourselves, but that night showed me that if we can handle something like this, we can handle anything,” she said.
For Mrs Latashni and Mr Pradap, who have since been named the baby’s godmother and godfather respectively, the memory is especially sweet. “The universe gave us the biggest blessing that night. I’ll carry it with me forever,” Mrs Latashni said.
She added that the incident reminded her of the importance of neighbourly bonds.
“In Singapore, we are often in a hurry or reluctant to connect because we are pressed for time. But stepping back, you realise that life’s true meaning lies in the people around us,” Mrs Latashni said.
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16 Sep 2025 16:20
