Maci Martinez was born on the way to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove Friday morning, December 28, 2012. The 25-mile trip to the hospital was interrupted by her feet first “breech birth” with her umbilical cord wrapped twice around her neck. Fortunately, her father Illinois State Trooper Chad Martinez knew what to do. Her mother felt the infants toes while in the back seat of the car near Interstate 88 and Naperville Road. Chad pulled over the car, and administered first responder emergency childbirth aid, including airway management.
“I used to make fun of people that had babies on the side of the road because I couldn’t understand how you didn’t make it to the hospital in time, but after yesterday now I understand how that truly does happen,”
— Maci’s mother, Megan Martinez.
Paramedics met the couple, the new infant and her 21-month old sister at the shoulder of Interstate 88, and transported the newborn and mother to Good Samaritan. All are healthy.
When the trip started, contractions were a minute and a half apart.
I think the problem began with the 25 mile drive to the hospital! lol Glad she’s okay!