Oklahoma Man Plays Unexpected Role of Highway Midwife: A Birth Story for the Ages
In a tale that sounds straight out of a movie script, Justin Nelson, a paramedic from Guthrie, Oklahoma, found himself delivering his own baby on the side of a highway—because, naturally, who wouldn’t want a roadside birth? On February 26, as Justin and his partner Tessa Dismuke raced to Mercy Hospital, the universe had other plans. With Tessa’s water breaking just 30 minutes prior and a baby that clearly didn’t want to wait for a hospital gown, Justin had to pull over and take the reins—or should we say, the umbilical cord?
According to Guthrie Fire and EMS, Justin’s calm demeanor kicked in as he recognized that their newborn, later named Axton Lee Nelson, had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck—a classic move in the drama of childbirth. Drawing on his paramedic training, Justin skillfully disentangled the cord and encouraged Tessa to keep pushing. As Axton made his grand debut, he was “blue to the core,” not exactly the rosy-cheeked newborn one hopes for, but Justin didn’t panic. Instead, he flipped Axton over and gave him a gentle pat, prompting a weak cry that was nothing short of a victory.
Describing the experience, Justin remarked, “There wasn’t any ‘Hang on, wait, I need to think.’ It was all instinct.” And instinct is what brought this little family into the world amidst the chaos of a highway—no sterile delivery room in sight. Tessa, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions, added that the experience was “chaotic, intense but exciting,” a sentiment that many new parents can undoubtedly relate to, albeit usually without the roadside flair.
This heartwarming and slightly alarming story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of parenthood. While most births are celebrated in the comfort of a hospital, Axton’s entrance into the world is sure to become a legendary family tale. The couple, with their remarkable story of resilience, now have a healthy baby boy who weighed in at a solid 6 lbs., 13 oz. at birth. As they navigate the joys and challenges of new parenthood, one can only imagine how Axton will feel about his unconventional arrival when he’s old enough to hear the story—hopefully with less highway drama in the future!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Guthrie Fire and EMS, KOKO 5 News
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