Battle Creek parents welcome second-born son in parking lot of Storm Lake hospital

STORM LAKE, Iowa (KTIV) -With the assistance of doctors, nurses, and medical staff, parents from Battle Creek welcomed their second-born son in a hospital parking lot on Wednesday morning.

With the help of hospital staff, Sam and Austin Sadler safely delivered their second son, River, in the parking lot of Buena Vista Regional Medical Center on February 25.

The center says the parents' adventure began at around 5:30 a.m. when the baby’s mother, Sam Sadler, noticed she was having contractions.

Shortly after 6 a.m., the parents called the center’s First Embrace Obstetrics Department to ask if they should go in because the driver would take time. Living in Battle Creek, the Sadlers have to drive 45 miles to the center in Storm Lake, according to the center.

The center says the parents began traveling to the hospital shortly after 7 a.m. after making sure their 2-and-a-half-year-old son, Ranger, and dogs were cared for.

“He goes, ‘Don’t be alarmed, I’m going to drive really fast,’” said Austin Sadler, the baby’s father.

The due date for River’s birth was set for March 4, but Sam had been hopeful for an earlier delivery, specifically on Wednesday.

The center says the Sadlers arrived at the hospital, shortly before 8 a.m.

“River was so eager to be born that he didn’t even wait for his parents to enter the hospital,” said the center, “Within minutes -still in the Sadler’s vehicle in the BVRMC parking lot - River made his grand entrance.”

Even though the hospital’s patient access staff are usually welcoming patients to the hospital, they don’t usually welcome babies into the world, according to the center.

However, for the Sadler parents, patient staff were first to help the couple by grabbing blankets and reaching out to more nurses for help.

The center says Austin and Sam Sadler remember how fast the nurses arrived.

“The nurses just kept showing up,” said the baby’s father.

During this time, nurses brought Dr. Ken Chapman to help as well as the couple’s obstetrician, Dr. Sabrina Martinez, who quickly stepped in for support in the baby’s delivery.

“For about five minutes, it was quite a whirlwind,” said Austin.

The center says River’s delivery was entirely different from the Sadler’s first child who made his entrance 47 hours later.

“With River, they were not expecting him to arrive 2 and a half hours after her first contractions,” the center said.

Dr. Martinez says she enjoyed getting to know the parents throughout Sam’s pregnancy with River.

““I’ve enjoyed getting to know Sam and Austin throughout this pregnancy. We had been planning for a different birth experience than with her last child, but this was certainly not part of our plan!” said Dr. Martinez, “Even so, it was incredible to see our team come together so seamlessly for the Sadler family. River’s arrival was certainly one to remember, and I’m so glad we could be part of such a joyful experience.”

Jeannette Todd, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center’s First Embrace Obstetrics Director says the entire team at the center is always prepared to provide care.

“We are incredibly grateful for our staff’s quick action and expertise, ensuring a safe and memorable delivery for the Sadlers.” said Todd, “Every birth story is unique, but no matter the circumstances, our team is committed to making sure families feel supported, safe and cared for—just like the Sadlers did during their unforgettable experience.”

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