Little Kaylee Pretorius, who was due in July, had other plans for her parents as she made her grand entrance into the world at a Caltex filling station in Pretoria North on June 20.
During the early hours of Monday (June 20), Tasha van Niekerk received a call asking her to take her daughter to the hospital and on the way they realised that they needed petrol.
While filling the car tank, the soon-to-be mum, whose contractions had started earlier, realised that delivery was imminent.
Tasha, a first-time grandmother, had to assist in the birth of her granddaughter.
“My daughter told me that she could feel the baby’s head coming out and I knew that we were about to deliver her in the car… before reaching hospital.
“Samantha was sitting in the back seat, and little Kaylee made her entrance into the world after a few pushes later. I wrapped her with the jersey and put her on Samantha’s chest then rushed to Steve Biko Academic hospital,” said Tasha.
Tasha did not cut the umbilical cord, as she decided to wait for medical assistance. Mother and daughter were both healthy and doing well after the birth and were able to go home the next day.
Samantha said that the birth of her daughter was a blessing.
“I was so excited to meet her, I even painted her name on the wall to prepare for her arrival,” she said.
While Tasha is still trying to clean her car following the unexpected event, she said that her granddaughter is a blessing after she lost her husband.
“It was all worth it, after the adrenaline kicked in, I was able to help my daughter and granddaughter. She is a blessing to our family,” said Tasha.
Samantha Pretorius jokingly said that this would be her last child due to the experience.
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