Police officer helps young mother deliver baby boy

A young Bahamian mother is thankful after a police officer helped her deliver a baby boy in the parking lot of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

“They made sure my baby was straight and I was even better,” a gleaming Brashae Bowe said, thanking Officer LaPetra Sands.

Bowe was in her car when she unexpectedly went into labour on January 18. Sands was alerted and went to assist.

“My thoughts were, “These lives have to be saved.’ So [my thinking] was do what I have to do, possibly to ensure both lives are in good hands,” Sands said.

Bowe, the mother of two other children, was surprised at the unexpected happening.

“It was scary and traumatic because this has never happened. He is premature and was not supposed to come until March.”

Sands in quick action said she processed the scene and found that the baby was already out of the cervix. She then called the Control Room of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, asking how best to assist the mother.

“What do I need to do in a situation like this? I’m not a doctor.”

Sands then ensured the umbilical cord was not looped around the neck, wrapped him, and swiftly carried him inside the hospital to a doctor.

“Thank you. I appreciate you,” Bowe told Sands in appreciation.

Sands then presented her with baby gifts and diapers in preparation for when the baby is released from the hospital.