Not a lot of mums can say they gave birth on the road. Those who experienced this ordeal were probably not the ones behind the wheel with five kids in tow. Well, a mum in Kentucky endured all that.
Mothers’ giving birth experience plays differently for everyone. Indeed, it could be very painful and difficult. Most mums also suffer contractions during labour.
Mums often describe labour as extremely strong menstrual cramps that take your breath away. The immense pain makes most women struggle with conversing with people. The pain also intensifies as the labour goes on.
Giving birth while receiving assistance from other people cannot ease the pain but could help you in some other way. Could you imagine yourself giving birth on the road and driving home afterwards?
In this article, you’ll read:
- Mum Gave Birth on the Road and Drove Home Afterwards
- The Mum Drove With Her Placenta Still Attached to Her Newborn
- If You Give Birth on the Road, Here Are 5 Tips to Remember
Mum Gave Birth on the Road and Drove Home Afterwards
Heather Skaats’ unusual delivery shocked most mums because she gave birth on the road. The Kentucky mum also drove back home after her unexpected labour. The incident happened last Sunday, 21st of May 2022. Additionally, her five children were with her in the car.
Giving birth alone might sound like a parent’s worst nightmare. However, Heather’s situation could be way worse than just giving birth completely. At that time, she drove all the way home with the baby still attached to her.
She Ultimately Decided to Give Birth on the Roadside
According to Mrs Skaats, her contractions got stronger while she drove. She then decided to speed up to get home faster until she suddenly felt the need to pull over.
It was very hard for her because she was still with her five other children. Before going out of the car, she made sure to reassure her kids.
Heather grabbed her phone and immediately called her husband to tell him about her current situation. Aside from the kids inside the car, no one was with her. She then walked into the grass and squatted.
“I put my hand down there, and his head started coming out with his body,” said Heather Skaats. “I didn’t even have to push… I was on the phone with my husband, Nick, and 20 seconds later, I was like, ‘He’s here!’”
Luckily, Heather was able to catch her 7-pound baby boy while squatting. The newborn looked healthy as he opened his eyes and started crying.
“Got out of the car, went to the other side in the grass and literally had a baby,” she said in a Facebook post. “It was so quick!”
The Mum Drove With Her Placenta Still Attached to Her Newborn
Image source: iStock
After giving birth on the roadside, Mrs Skaats conditioned herself to get back on her feet. At that time, the placenta was still attached to her as she carried her newborn baby. She got back in the car and introduced her kids to their new sibling—a cute little boy.
The children were all stunned and speechless about what happened. We find this understandable given their age range of 2-13.
Despite just delivering a newborn, Heather Skaats safely drove herself and her kids back home. Upon returning, Heather’s eldest daughter, Kaelyn, helped her deliver her placenta in the shower. The midwife arrived shortly after and immediately helped Heather pick the grass off her newborn baby. Heather credits her previous water births with helping her trust her body. Because of these experiences, she willed herself to remain calm.
“He is perfect, all of the kids are happy to have him here, and today was a day I will never forget,” she said on Facebook.
At present, Heather has yet to name her newborn. However, her husband suggested naming their cute little boy as “The Flash.”
If You Give Birth on the Road, Here Are 5 Tips to Remember
Image source: iStock
There are times when life does not go according to plan. No matter how many detailed birth plans you make, the unexpected can still occur. Because of this, you must prepare backup plans in case of an emergency birth. Below are crucial you need to keep in mind.
Be Aware of Labour Symptoms
Here are the common labour signals you must be aware of:
- Your water breaking
- Diarrhoea
- The baby drops
- The timespan in between regular contractions – these last 30 to 70 seconds each
Immediately Call Emergency Hotlines for Medical Assistance
Get medical help as soon as possible to avoid any complications. Additionally, try to stay on the line for guidance from the phone responder.
Stay Calm and Make Yourself Comfortable
It may not be easy but you must maintain your calm. Taking deep breaths helps in managing the pain from contractions.
Do Not Push Your Baby Unless Needed
During delivery, it is essential to let it happen naturally. Push only when you feel like the baby wants to come out. On the other hand, pushing your baby out due to unbearable pain is also understandable.
Wait Until Help Arrives
If emergency services have still not arrived, you must pay attention to your newborn’s health. Let the baby gently slide out head-first. Additionally, remember to check the placement of the umbilical cord. It must not be wrapped around your baby’s head to avoid choking them.
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