RANGELY | Many rural pregnant women have lost sleep at night worrying they might not make it to the hospital in time to deliver their bundle of joy, especially when the hospital of choice is more than 90 miles away. That worry became reality in the early morning hours of Feb. 23 for expectant Rangely parents Sasha Wolgamott, husband Brian, and Sasha’s mom Michelle Huber. The trio decided to journey over Douglas Pass at about 2:10 a.m. to ensure they would arrive in Grand Junction in plenty of time for the birth.
As most people around these parts are aware, State Highway 139 is neither a smooth, nor a straight road. On that particular morning there was fresh snowfall and accumulating slush which added to the challenging drive. Huber recounted the trip on the snowy highway, saying that son-in-law Brian had even slid around the switchbacks while trying to navigate the roads as fast and safe as he possibly could.
Labor progressed quickly; in fact, far more rapidly than any of them anticipated. The expectant mother was doing her best to breathe through the contractions and remain calm. It soon became evident to Michelle that they weren’t going to make it to St. Mary’s Hospital. Michelle told Brian to pull over and as Sasha put it “the three of us had a bit of a colorful conversation.” But it turned out it was a good thing they stopped when they did.
The worried father-to-be ran down the road to get cell phone reception to call 911 to request an ambulance. On his way back to the truck, he lost reception, and the call dropped. There wasn’t much time left, as Baby Caden was ready for his appearance into the world. Bev Lindsay, a 911 dispatcher from Grand Junction Regional Communication Center got Brian back on the line. She guided the family through the roadside birth using the MPDS (Medical Priority Dispatch System), a unified system used to dispatch appropriate aid to medical emergencies.
With two quick pushes, Michelle (lovingly nicknamed Dr. Me Ma now) delivered the 20-inch, 8 lbs. 1.4 oz baby boy, supporting his head and body. Sasha swiftly cleaned out his airway and Brian yanked the shoelace from his left shoe and tied the umbilical cord. Within minutes a Colorado State Patrol officer was on site and snapped a picture of this momentous event for the family. Soon thereafter, the couple’s daughter Crimson June, dad Chris Huber, and sister Vanessa Huber were on site and were incredulous that the baby had been delivered on the highway near mile marker 13, which happened to be Sasha’s late grandmother Anita Usery’s favorite number.
New mom Sasha cut the umbilical cord on the way to the hospital while riding in the ambulance. Their beautiful baby boy was healthy and calm and the new parents report he has been a happy baby since.
The family said they feel blessed and their son is a welcome addition to the family. They are incredibly thankful to all those involved, especially Bev Lindsay, the 911 dispatcher; Caden’s “Dr. Me Ma,” and the good Lord above who was with them throughout the entire adventure.
Welcome to the world, Caden Emerson Wolgamott!
COURTESY PHOTO
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
That’s a good reason why Rangely Hospital should be allowed to assist in childbirth, rather than on Douglas pass 2 in the morning! Wouldn’t that be much safer and provide revenue to the hospital?