Arizona Baby Makes Dramatic Entrance on Highway, Emerges Safe and Sound

In a remarkable turn of events, Shelby and Thomas Vuja of Maricopa welcomed their son on the side of a highway. Their story underscores the unpredictability of childbirth.

On January 10th at 12:10 am, Shelby Vuja found herself in a desperate situation while her husband drove them to the hospital. A 911 dispatcher was on the line as she realized complications from an earlier ultrasound meant she would need immediate care.

After receiving the news that their baby was breeched, Shelby found herself in labor just hours later. “I couldn’t believe this was happening tonight,” she said. With a three-year-old daughter at home, time was of the essence.

Within ten minutes of their car ride, Shelby experienced her water breaking, prompting panic as they were still fifteen minutes from the hospital. Thomas called 911, receiving urgent instructions on how to manage the delivery.

Despite the chaos, the couple remained focused. “The dispatcher told me to pull over. If I tugged on the baby, I might injure him,” Thomas recounted. “She said she had to push.”

The delivery became even more critical when they were met with silence from their newborn. The dispatcher guided them through CPR until, miraculously, the baby cried out. “He took his first breath, and that moment was surreal,” Thomas said, visibly emotional.

Emergency responders transported Shelby and Caden to the hospital, where the newborn was admitted to the NICU for monitoring. “He needed some extra TLC because he was born in the freezing weather,” Shelby explained.

Complications arose for Shelby as well; she was struggling with pneumonia and flu-like symptoms. “They had to perform CPR to resuscitate me after my heart stopped on the table,” she shared, reflecting on the ordeal. Fortunately, doctors were able to address blood clots in her arm.

Remarkably, she spent nine days in the ICU before being cleared to go home. Caden finally joined her there on his original due date, February 1st. “He is home and healthy, a true blessing,” she stated.

Now weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces, Caden has become a source of joy for the Vuja family. “He is just such a miracle,” said Thomas, expressing deep gratitude for the experience.

Amidst the chaos, Thomas recalled an old Bible he kept in their car for years. He felt its presence played a significant role in their son’s incredible story. “I was meant to have that Bible there, and I believe Caden was the reason,” he concluded.