Unexpected Delivery: A Family's Unforgettable Birth Story on the Side of the Road

In a heartwarming twist of fate, a former 9NEWS employee, Caitlin Kingsbury, and her husband Cole experienced a life-changing moment that they will never forget. On the evening of August 14, 2024, instead of heading to the hospital for a planned induction, they found themselves welcoming their third son, Cale, in the front seat of their car along E-470.

A Plan Gone Awry

Caitlin had been working behind the scenes at 9NEWS for nearly seven years, but this time, she was the one in the spotlight. The Kingsbury family had meticulously planned for Cale's arrival, having delivered their two older sons at Sky Ridge Medical Center, where they had formed a strong bond with their OBGYN. Even after moving to Windsor, they decided to stick with their trusted doctor and hospital.

• Planned Induction: The couple had everything arranged for a smooth delivery.
• Family Stay: They stayed at Cole's parents' house in Littleton to be closer to the hospital.
• Busy Schedule: Their older son's first day of school and a preschool meet-and-greet were all part of the plan.

However, plans can change in an instant. After a quick trip back to Windsor, Caitlin began to feel unwell but initially dismissed the signs as pre-labor discomfort. But as contractions intensified, it became clear they needed to make their way to the hospital immediately.

The Drive That Changed Everything

As the family embarked on their journey, the clock was ticking. With traffic at rush hour and Caitlin's contractions coming every three minutes, Cole was focused on driving while simultaneously timing the contractions.

"Then, about 15 minutes out, Caitlin told me, 'My water just broke,'" Cole recalled.

With urgency mounting, Caitlin insisted they pull over. They quickly dialed 911, and South Metro Fire Rescue Dispatcher Conner Blinzler guided them through the unexpected situation.

Delivery on the Side of the Road

As the couple remained on the line with the dispatcher, Caitlin gave birth in the front seat of their car. Cole "caught" their newborn son with the help of Blinzler's instructions.

"I opened the door, saw the head, and we were still on the phone with 911. The dispatcher said, 'If he's coming out, grab head and butt because he'll be really slippery!'" Cole shared, a mixture of relief and excitement in his voice.

In a matter of minutes, baby Cale made his entrance into the world, crying for the first time as Cole and Caitlin experienced a profound sigh of relief. Their two older children, who were also in the backseat, added to the moment with a mix of encouragement and concern.

After the Storm

First responders arrived shortly after, assisting the family and transporting them to the hospital where they finally reunited with their doctor. Caitlin and baby Cale were doing well, while Cole and their older sons were still catching their breath from the whirlwind experience.

Caitlin expressed gratitude for the incredible support they received, saying, "Everyone who helped us has been so incredible. We're just so thankful for their kindness and what they did for us."

The Dispatcher’s Joy

Dispatcher Conner Blinzler even visited the family in the hospital, sharing in the joy of the occasion. "It's just something that brings a lot of joy to what we do," he remarked, emphasizing the rewarding nature of his job.

Final Thoughts

This remarkable story serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry, and sometimes, the most unexpected moments turn out to be the most memorable. The Kingsbury family will surely have a unique tale to tell for years to come.

What do you think?

• Do you think emergency deliveries should be more widely discussed in childbirth education?
• How would you feel about giving birth in a car?
• Do you believe hospitals should have more flexible policies for expectant mothers?
• Should more resources be allocated to emergency response training for childbirth?
• What are your thoughts on the role of dispatchers in emergency situations like this?