Norfolk Dispatch helps expectant mother deliver baby on the road
In a remarkable and unplanned turn of events, an expectant mother, Erica Daake, was given invaluable assistance from the Norfolk police dispatch.
By News Channel NebraskaNORFOLK, Neb. -- A touching story from the beloved town of Norfolk. In a remarkable and unplanned turn of events, an expectant mother, Erica Daake, was given invaluable assistance from the Norfolk police dispatch.
She welcomed her baby into the world in the most unexpected place before even reaching the hospital. After nine long months of pregnancy, Erica and Austen Daake packed their bags in hopes of welcoming a new baby on Dec. 7.
Around 4 a.m., Erica Daake woke her husband earlier than normal and rushed out the door. Erica said, "By the time my husband put me in the pickup, my water had broken and we got about a half mile down the road, and I told my husband to call 911."
After calling 911, Norfolk Dispatcher Alayna Ping said, "He said his wife was having a contraction and there was something coming out of her. I was like, that's probably the head. Let's go ahead and pull over and we can deliver the baby."
"By the time I hit the brakes and could get around the pickup and open up the door, I see a baby in her arms," said Austin Daake. "It was a quick relief, but then I realized we still have to go to the hospital."
Assisted by both Madison and Norfolk Police to the hospital, Erica couldn’t help but say how thankful she is for all their help.
"Once we arrived, my pickup door opened before we even were in park," said Austin Daake. "Alayna had everything ready and everybody was ready to go."
Erica Daake gave birth to a 7 lbs 11 oz baby girl. The baby measured 20 and a half inches long and was named Drew Bernadette Daake. The unique name Bernadette is Erica’s mom's middle name. It was also her grandmother's middle name.
From a situation that turned out so beautiful and fun, this job can be stressful at times, but Ping said, “You know, sometimes we do have a bad day. That doesn't mean every single moment of that day is going to be bad. We do deal with some stressful things sometimes but overall, we do care a lot about the community and the people around here, and that's really what we want to do is help.”