Javier Sanchez was barreling down the Eisenhower Expressway around 3 a.m. Monday morning, hoping to get Maria Estrada to the hospital for the birth of their daughter Camila – but Mother Nature had other plans.
The baby was born before Sanchez could reach an exit on the highway. The two were headed to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn. Paramedics arrived after Camila was already born and transported her to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, according to a news release from the hospital.
“En route deliveries are not unusual,” said Robbin Uchison, a nurse manager at West Sub. “We’ve had four babies born en route transported to West Suburban Medical Center so far this year, but Baby Camila is our first for the month of March.”
Don Reese, a West Sub physician said Estrada “found herself in these less than perfect conditions to deliver her baby girl, did everything as best as she could under the circumstances.”
“Chicago March weather can be dangerous to a newborn baby, but the mom made sure her daughter stayed warm and safe while in transit to West Suburban Medical Center. She did a perfect job,” said Reese.
There were no complications with the birth and both Camila, who weighs 8 lbs. and 1 oz., and her mother are doing well, according to the hospital.