A couple from Taylors Lakes, Melbourne, has welcomed their newest family member in an unexpected location—inside their car on the Citylink—while en route to St Vincent’s Private Hospital. Lidiana and David Dellai rushed to the hospital at approximately 3 am on Thursday, as Mrs Dellai went into labour. However, their baby girl, Tahlia, decided to make her entrance before they could reach medical assistance.
In a moment of shock, Mr Dellai initially doubted his wife’s claims as she announced that the baby was on the way. “She said ‘it’s coming out’, and I’m like ‘no it’s not’,” he recounted, before quickly realising the situation was more urgent than he had thought. As Mrs Dellai expressed urgency, she assured him that the baby was already becoming visible; with no time to spare, Mr Dellai quickly checked and discovered their daughter was indeed arriving.
Mrs Dellai recalled the rapid events that unfolded as she unbuckled her seatbelt and gave birth in the front passenger seat. “I didn’t push; she pushed herself out,” she stated, reflecting on the lack of control she had over the situation. As instructed by their midwife, Amy, who was on the phone, they realised they needed to pull over and call for an ambulance.
Paramedics arrived within minutes on Flemington Road to assess both mother and daughter before transporting them to the hospital, where Dr Guy Skinner awaited their arrival. He noted that births occurring outside of a hospital setting are quite rare, with approximately one in 300 deliveries happening outside typical medical facilities.
Although the delivery did not occur as planned, the Dellai family remained grateful, particularly following Lidiana’s previous traumatic experience with an ectopic pregnancy. The couple is now excited to have completed their family, welcoming baby Tahlia as their third daughter, joining older sisters Nicola and Isla. “It’s all positive… she’s the last piece of our puzzle,” Mrs Dellai expressed, embracing the joy of their new addition.