A Devon mum gave birth in a car outside a school after a rapid labor. Dad delivered the baby with 999 guidance.
Hollie, 32, and Richard, 33, live in Hertfordshire. Originally, they lived in Devon. Their second child came early, and they planned a hospital birth.
Romillie Burton arrived January 4th at 6:07 PM. She was born in the car near a school in Torquay and weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces.
The couple owns a holiday home in Devon and visit family and friends often. They arrived before Christmas Eve and planned to stay until the baby was born.
Hollie started having contractions early January 4th. Her first baby was induced, so she wasn’t sure this was real labor yet.
They walked on the beach that afternoon. Hollie’s contractions then grew stronger, so they alerted the hospital and left around 5:40 PM. The contractions intensified during the drive, and they had to stop often for breaks.
They stopped again. Hollie knew the baby was coming fast, so she moved to the car’s back seat. Richard called 999 for assistance, and the operator guided him through the birth.
Romillie was born within 12 minutes near St Cuthbert Mayne School. The baby’s temperature started to drop quickly because the weather was freezing and rainy.
Hollie left Devon back in 2018. She said, “It was pouring rain and freezing cold!” She also said, “The car was cramped for the birth.” One towel was all they had.
Richard felt panicked at first but listened to the operator’s instructions. “She came out within three contractions,” said Hollie. “My body just took over.”
Hollie felt calm but worried about the car birth. The umbilical cord was around Romillie’s foot and neck. Richard untangled it with guidance; it was stressful but happened fast.
Romillie cried, and Richard gave her to Hollie. Hollie held her to keep her warm. An ambulance arrived about three minutes later, followed by another with a midwife who had a warming pad for newborns.
Romillie’s temperature had dropped significantly, down to 32 degrees Celsius. The medical team was worried about her.
Richard cut the umbilical cord in the ambulance, and Hollie delivered the placenta at the hospital. Both were checked thoroughly, and they left Torbay Hospital before midnight.
The birth certificate won’t say Torbay Hospital, but they’re thankful Romillie is safe. The birth was unusual, but okay.
Hollie stated Romillie’s healthy despite the cold start. She arrived soon after they left, so they wouldn’t have reached the hospital anyway.
They wanted Torbay Hospital on the birth certificate badly. Their first child was born there. Richard was also born there, along with most of Hollie’s family, minus her; she was born in Blackburn.
The closest hospital is Luton Hospital now. Hollie didn’t want that on the certificate. It now says “in transit on Teignmouth Road.” Hollie didn’t get what she wished.
They registered the birth in Paignton. Officials said it was the first “in transit” birth in four years, which surprised the couple.
Richard spoke with the 999 operator, Naomi, and got her name before they ended the call. They gave Romillie the middle name Naomi in her honor, yet they can’t find her.
Hollie wants to thank her in person and hopes to find her someday. She also thanks her partner of 14 years and appreciates his support during the surprise.
