Barista Working Overnight Shift Helps Deliver Baby on Starbucks Lawn
What kind of service do you expect to get at Starbucks? Probably the standard: hot coffee, a blended drink containing your entire day’s calorie allotment, or something quick and hot to eat.
People generally stop in on their way to work or during a break. The more industrious bring their work with them and set up camp close to the caffeine.
Delivering babies probably doesn’t even register on the list of “expected services” for most people. But one employee can add that to her resume.
Rashelle Rehms works at a Starbucks in Tacoma, Washington. She was working the night shift when the unexpected happened.
A homeless man was rapping against the windowpane, trying to get her attention.
When she went to see what the fuss was about, he told her that a pregnant woman was currently giving birth outside the store.
It was 1 a.m. and Rehms was not allowed to leave the store during her shift: it was a company policy.
But there was a woman lying down where the grass met the sidewalk, crying and pushing a new baby out into the world, so Rehms swept up some towels and raced out.
She had no experience and was panicking. The woman giving birth was, too, and screamed at Rehms to help her take her pants off.
By that time, the baby’s head was already visible, and before she knew it, Rehms was cradling a newborn baby girl.
“All I really had to do was catch her,” Rehms said.
Meanwhile, the umbilical cord snapped and the mom started to panic again. “Don’t let me die! Don’t let me die!” she said.
But she didn’t: Both she and her baby were whisked off to Tacoma General by paramedics, and the mother and daughter are reportedly doing well despite the unexpected arrival.
Rehms, on the other hand, feared the backlash she might receive for abandoning her post. Plus, she was kind of a mess now.
“I did have to sacrifice my apron. I looked down at it and said I can’t wear that back to work,” she said.
When her boss arrived, she beat the others to the punch and told her what had happened. “I broke a rule and it’s a big one,” she admitted. “But I delivered a baby.”
Instead of being upset, though, her manager and the corporate headquarters praised Rehms for her involvement.
“We’re proud of Rashelle for her quick thinking and actions until additional help could arrive, and appreciate their quick response as well.”
So everyone ended up safe and secure: mom, baby, and barista. Not bad for a night’s work!
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