NORWICH, Conn. — During Monday's snowstorm, something very unexpected happened for Kaitlyn and David Vacchina of Lebanon.
Around 10 p.m., Dr. Theresa Adams was near the nurse's desk in the front of the Emergency Department when she heard someone say "get the baby." Dr. Adams began to run following other medical professionals into the parking lot. She heard someone shout, "the baby's out," and realized someone was delivering a baby during the storm.
The Vacchinas had pulled up behind the Backus Emergency Department (ED) when Kaitlyn went into labor. David had run into the ED, shouted his wife was having a baby, and ran out to the car. He helped his wife delivered the baby right before Dr. Adams arrived. Molly Joyce was on her mom's belly, covered in some blankets. David had done a little research on childbirth just in case this happened.
Dr. Adams said she stimulated the baby and she cried. Molly Joyce was pink and breathing well. Dr. Adams cut the chord with the help of a nurse and carried Molly Joyce inside, as others helped the mother get out of the car. Kaitlyn was reunited with her child as she got into the Emergency Department.
Baby born in the middle of snowstorm in Norwich
Molly Joyce weighed 8lbs, 3oz. Her parents and she are said to be doing fine.
"I have delivered multiple babies (20+) during residency, but none since I became an attending 7 years ago," said Dr. Afams. "We are lucky to have the OB department at Backus that is fully staffed at all times, so the opportunity really doesn't present itself very often. It was a wonderful surprise to all the staff, especially in the midst of what has been a very tough year for all of us!"