After Rush Out The Front Door, Baby Born On Irvine Sidewalk
IRVINE (CBSLA.com) — Benjamin Paul Grindstaff arrived a couple of weeks later than expected, but when he finally decided it was time to come into the world, he didn't waste any time.
At about 2:30 Sunday morning, the newborn's mother, Rachel Grindstaff, felt she was going into labor at her Irvine home.
She quickly walked out the front door to get in the car, but immediately knew she wouldn't make it the full 75 yards.
"As soon as we got to the sidewalk I said, 'He's coming now,'" she said.
Meanwhile, her husband Robert Grindstaff, called 911 and was told by the dispatcher to tell his wife to get back into the house.
But Rachel, who can be overheard screaming in the background of the call, knew she wouldn't be able to move.
"The only thing that went through my head is I didn't want him to fall, so I just kind of laid down instinctively," Rachel said.
Embracing their makeshift, outdoor birthing clinic, Robert got down to support Rachel's back.
Mary McDonald, a friend and trained doula, helped deliver the baby.
"It was just a couple pushes," McDonald said. "She laid down, and I started to see the head as she was pushing."
Shortly after, baby Benjamin was born. Yes, on the sidewalk.
Shortly afterward, first responders took the family to The Women's Hospital at Saddleback Memorial in Laguna Hills.
The excitement drew some neighbors to their windows and out of their homes.
It was the Grindstaffs' fifth baby, but perhaps their most memorable birth.
"I laugh when I think about it," Rachel said. "It makes for an interesting story, that's for sure."
Both Rebecca and Benjamin are doing well, Robert said Monday afternoon.
