Raleigh – On the night of November 2, Morgan Hudgins and Michael Holley experienced a miraculous birth in the parking lot of the Dunkin’ Donuts on Durant Road and Capital Boulevard. Their newborn daughter, Layla, arrived at 1:58 a.m., two weeks early but healthy, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
Labor Accelerates Unexpectedly
Hudgins said she began feeling labor pains at home, assuming she still had two weeks before delivery. “I had a little bit of back labor around 9:30 p.m.,” she recalled, “but in my mind I was like, ‘No, I still have two weeks to go.’” She went to bed at about 10:30 p.m., only to wake at 12:30 a.m. with the pain intensifying.
Attempting a quick shower, Hudgins realized she needed to head to the hospital. “Before I could even get out of my house, I started having to push,” she said, positioning herself in the car because she sensed the birth was imminent.
Dad Takes the Wheel and the Delivery
Holley called 911 while racing his wife toward the hospital. When the dispatcher urged him to pull over, he chose to keep driving, hoping to reach medical care faster than the paramedics could arrive. Less than 20 minutes into the drive, the baby’s head emerged.
“The Dunkin’ Donuts was right there,” Hudgins explained. “He pulled over and jumped around to the passenger side – and he was a champ.” The couple quickly positioned themselves in the parking lot, where Holley completed the delivery.
Critical Moments and Quick Thinking
During the birth, Holley noticed the umbilical cord partially wrapped around Layla’s neck and that her color was turning blue. He carefully untangled the cord and began rubbing her chest to stimulate breathing. “She didn’t really cry at first, and that was really stressing me out,” Holley said.
The ambulance arrived a few minutes later, surprised to find the baby already on Holley’s chest. Paramedics monitored Layla’s oxygen levels and escorted the family to the hospital, where both mother and child received further care.
Family Support and Faith
Hudgins and Holley, who already have a 12‑month‑old daughter named Lola, praised the support of their extended family. Hudgins’ parents and grandparents live next door, providing immediate help with the newborn and the older sibling.
To celebrate Layla’s arrival, a friend delivered a box of Dunkin’ Donuts treats to the family’s home after they returned from the hospital. The newborn’s nickname, “Munchkin,” reflects the joy she has brought to the household.
Looking Forward
Both parents expressed gratitude for the safe delivery and the teamwork that carried them through a frightening moment. “He did great keeping his composure,” Hudgins said. “We did what we had to do – we had no choice.” Holley added, “I’m glad it was our second baby, or it would have been more nerve‑racking.” Layla and her siblings are now settling into life in Raleigh, surrounded by family, faith, and community support.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
