Woman Gives Birth on San Diego Freeway

Her husband pulled over on Interstate 5 just as the baby was coming out

Aubrianne Scheldt of Encinitas wanted a natural childbirth, but a roadside delivery was not what she had in mind.

The first-time mom’s water broke around 5 a.m. Monday. Aubrianne and husband Eric immediately got in the car and headed south on Interstate 5 toward Scripps La Jolla Hospital.

As they passed Del Mar, Eric says his wife got quiet and then tightly grabbed his arm from the passenger seat. A few seconds later, he heard her say she could see the head.

“I started to hear little chortling sounds, just little cries. And I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” Eric said. “Immediately just pulled over, and I guess the baby may have been halfway out or three-quarters. I just reached in and gave a little tug, and she just came right out.”

The new dad called 911 at 5:33 a.m. Highway patrol officers and firefighters were dispatched, but the family was able to make it to the hospital on their own.

Eric says he held the newborn in one hand and drove with the other.

After arriving at Scripps La Jolla, they walked into the hospital with the baby’s umbilical cord still attached. Eric says some workers outside didn't even notice the blood or the baby.

A security guard finally noticed and rushed to get help.

Baby girl Iona Noel was 9 lbs. 2 oz. and 20 inches long. The hospital says mom and baby are doing great.

Eric works in financial services and had no emergency training before delivering his daughter. The couple took prenatal classes and Aubrianne studied hypnobirthing, but nothing could have prepared them for this.

This is the couple's first child. Aubrianne's due date was April 18.

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