NEW HYDE PARK, NY – Jodi-Ann Jones, of Rockaway Beach, Queens, awoke on Tuesday, August 17, experiencing some cramping -- not unusual since she was planning to deliver her fourth child on August 22.

En route to her regularly-scheduled doctor’s appointment at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, Ms. Jones and her partner, Julian Bowen, took on an unexpected passenger. Just as they pulled into a parking lot outside Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) of New York, Ms. Jones’ baby began to enter the world. With Mr. Bowen holding her hand, Ms. Jones delivered a healthy baby, thanks to the quick-thinking of hospital staff, including dentists, neonatologists, security officers and members of the valet parking team who converged on the scene within minutes. Security officers notified physicians, pediatric dentists administered to the mother, neonatologists helped the baby breathe, and then an obstetrician-gynecologist arrived to further assist Ms. Jones.

At a news conference held today at CCMC, the proud parents (with their newborn son in their arms) thanked the small army of healthcare workers who turned a stunning experience into a joyful occasion.

“I still feel a little stunned about what happened,” said Ms. Jones, “but I wanted to be here today to give my thanks to all these people who came to my rescue.” When asked how he handled the stress of driving the car while Ms. Jones was delivering a baby, Mr. Bowen quipped, “I’m usually a pretty laid-back guy, but this was something.”

To mark the occasion, Ms. Jones and Mr. Bowen decided to name their new son Carson -- in honor of his birthplace.

Contact: Michelle Pinto
(516) 465-2649
mpinto@nshs.edu