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Ariana’s rushed arrival

Briana FioreHarvey-Waroona Reporter
Hendrix, 3, Brett, Lisa and Ariana Cartledge - who was born in a Bunbury car park.
Camera IconHendrix, 3, Brett, Lisa and Ariana Cartledge - who was born in a Bunbury car park.

An expecting mother was walking through the hospital carpark last week when her baby made an unexpected arrival.

Lisa and Brett Cartledge were in disbelief when their bundle of joy, Ariana, suddenly arrived in the carpark of St John of God Hospital Bunbury at 7.25am on March 24.

Mrs Cartledge was 38 weeks pregnant and said she started having contractions the night before.

“We went to the hospital too early when we had our first child, Hendrix, and did not want to go too early this time round,” she said.

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The heavily pregnant mum knew the time had come when she got out of the shower and her contractions intensified.

The family live around the corner from the hospital and said they were fortunate to get a green light on their hurried trip.

Unfortunately for Mrs Cartledge, baby Ariana decided she could not wait and was born just 15m from the hospital door.

I took 10 steps and Brett was telling me not to push, I looked down and there was a baby in my pants.

Lisa Cartledge

Mr Cartledge said he was in two minds about whether to deliver the baby or run and press the button to get help.

“I kept thinking ‘baby or button?’ and I ended up choosing the baby,” he said.

Baby Ariana was born in the hospital car park on March 24.
Camera IconBaby Ariana was born in the hospital car park on March 24. Credit: Picture: Supplied.

“I reached in and pulled her out, I got her out through the bottom of Lisa’s harem pants and realised the umbilical cord was still attached, so I had to put her back through the cuff and stuck her straight on Lisa’s chest.”

He said he was “over the moon” when his daughter let out a cry.

The couple said they were were grateful for the hospital staff and said they would “never say never” to having another baby.

Brett and Lisa Cartledge and their baby, Ariana, who was born in the hospital car park.
Camera IconBrett and Lisa Cartledge and their baby, Ariana, who was born in the hospital car park. Credit: Supplied.

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