Why are Montreal Mothers Giving Birth in Cars?

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Why are Montreal Mothers Giving Birth in Cars?

When you're done giving birth in a car, remember to buckle upDelivering a baby in a car is not the ideal way to bring a child into the world. It is fairly uncommon, but sometimes necessary if you can’t make it to a hospital. While nerve racking, numerous parents have been able to successfully do it. Two Montreal couples recently went through the experience.

Baby Berekia

Early the morning of March 20, two Montreal police officers were stopped by frantic cab driver Tousfay Berekatab. The officers originally assumed there was some dispute between the passenger and cabbie. They were surprised to discover the emergency involved a woman in the back seat in the advanced stages of labor. The couple, Amazi-Florence and Touwende Sawadego, was heading to the hospital when their son decided to make an early appearance. Berekatab quickly exited the highway when he realized the baby was about to be born. He, the father and two police officers helped deliver baby Berekia. The delivery went well and the happy family was immediately transported to a local hospital. The cab driver reportedly waived the fare.

Giving Birth on Christmas

This past Christmas another pair of Montreal police officers helped deliver a baby in a car. Early Christmas morning, a distressed father flagged them down. They assisted in the birth of a 32-week old boy. The couple’s four-year-old son was also in the vehicle during the delivery. A police escort took the family to the hospital after the baby was born.

Tips for a Car Delivery

Most people will never have to deliver a baby in a vehicle, but if you find yourself in that situation don’t hesitate to help. Here are some tips for a car delivery.

  • Don’t Panic

While the natural instinct may be to panic, keeping your emotions under control can be reassuring to the mother. Staying calm through the entire process helps the situation. Be sure to breathe, you don’t want to pass out.

  • Pull Over

Attempting to drive like a maniac to a hospital can make the situation worse. You are much safer delivering the child in the car. If the baby is coming, pull over and put on your hazard lights. This may help attract the attention of passing motorists.

  • Call 9-1-1 if Possible

Emergency operators often have access to people who can talk callers through a delivery. They may also be able to help you calm down. It can be reassuring to know you are not alone, even if you are only speaking to them by cell phone.

  • Don’t Pull on the Infant’s Head

If the baby’s head appears, don’t try to pull it out or push it back in to delay the birth. Put your hands under the child’s head for support and gently guide it out. Try to wipe off the infant’s mouth and nose with a piece of clothing or napkin. This will help remove mucous and make breathing easier.

  • Watch for the Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord attaches the mother to the child’s belly button. Sometimes it gets tangled around the neck. If this happens, try to loosen it without pulling hard and slip it over the neck. When a cord cannot easily be removed before birth, it can be dealt with after the baby comes out. Don’t attempt to cut or tie the umbilical cord. It is best to let a professional take care of it later.

  • Keep the Baby Warm

After the child has been expelled, it is important to hold it securely, because newborns can be very slippery. Find something to completely wrap the baby so no body heat is lost.

Most people will never have to deliver a baby in a car, but it can certainly happen as two Canadian couples recently discovered. Knowing the basics of delivery may make you a hero someday.

Why are Montreal Mothers Giving Birth in Cars?

When you're done giving birth in a car, remember to buckle upDelivering a baby in a car is not the ideal way to bring a child into the world. It is fairly uncommon, but sometimes necessary if you can’t make it to a hospital. While nerve racking, numerous parents have been able to successfully do it. Two Montreal couples recently went through the experience.

Baby Berekia

Early the morning of March 20, two Montreal police officers were stopped by frantic cab driver Tousfay Berekatab. The officers originally assumed there was some dispute between the passenger and cabbie. They were surprised to discover the emergency involved a woman in the back seat in the advanced stages of labor. The couple, Amazi-Florence and Touwende Sawadego, was heading to the hospital when their son decided to make an early appearance. Berekatab quickly exited the highway when he realized the baby was about to be born. He, the father and two police officers helped deliver baby Berekia. The delivery went well and the happy family was immediately transported to a local hospital. The cab driver reportedly waived the fare.

Giving Birth on Christmas

This past Christmas another pair of Montreal police officers helped deliver a baby in a car. Early Christmas morning, a distressed father flagged them down. They assisted in the birth of a 32-week old boy. The couple’s four-year-old son was also in the vehicle during the delivery. A police escort took the family to the hospital after the baby was born.

Tips for a Car Delivery

Most people will never have to deliver a baby in a vehicle, but if you find yourself in that situation don’t hesitate to help. Here are some tips for a car delivery.

  • Don’t Panic

While the natural instinct may be to panic, keeping your emotions under control can be reassuring to the mother. Staying calm through the entire process helps the situation. Be sure to breathe, you don’t want to pass out.

  • Pull Over

Attempting to drive like a maniac to a hospital can make the situation worse. You are much safer delivering the child in the car. If the baby is coming, pull over and put on your hazard lights. This may help attract the attention of passing motorists.

  • Call 9-1-1 if Possible

Emergency operators often have access to people who can talk callers through a delivery. They may also be able to help you calm down. It can be reassuring to know you are not alone, even if you are only speaking to them by cell phone.

  • Don’t Pull on the Infant’s Head

If the baby’s head appears, don’t try to pull it out or push it back in to delay the birth. Put your hands under the child’s head for support and gently guide it out. Try to wipe off the infant’s mouth and nose with a piece of clothing or napkin. This will help remove mucous and make breathing easier.

  • Watch for the Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord attaches the mother to the child’s belly button. Sometimes it gets tangled around the neck. If this happens, try to loosen it without pulling hard and slip it over the neck. When a cord cannot easily be removed before birth, it can be dealt with after the baby comes out. Don’t attempt to cut or tie the umbilical cord. It is best to let a professional take care of it later.

  • Keep the Baby Warm

After the child has been expelled, it is important to hold it securely, because newborns can be very slippery. Find something to completely wrap the baby so no body heat is lost.

Most people will never have to deliver a baby in a car, but it can certainly happen as two Canadian couples recently discovered. Knowing the basics of delivery may make you a hero someday.

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