Listen: Dispatcher Talks Dad Through Son's Birth

An Oakland County dispatcher was credited for helping a Walled Lake couple through the emergency birth of their second child Monday. (Photo via Shutterstock)

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An Oakland County dispatcher is being credited for her telephonic midwifery after she calmly talked a Walled Lake man though the delivery of his son Monday evening.

Dispatch Specialist Lisa Ludwig, a 10-year veteran of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, took the 911 call at 6:29 p.m. Monday.

The mom-to-be was already in labor with pains two minutes apart. Her mother called 911 and relayed instructions to her son-in-law as he helped his wife through the delivery of their second child.

Calmly, Ludwig asked requisite questions: First delivery? Any family history? Any serious bleeding?

In five minutes, the baby boy was born, just as members of the Walled Lake Fire Department and Community EMS rolled up to the door. The infant arrived about two weeks early. The woman wasn’t due until July 2.

There were a few anxious moments.

“She’s pushing! The baby’s coming! The baby’s coming!” the woman told Ludwig, who responded, “Don’t try to prevent the birth.”

Soon, the umbilical cord became visible.

“Don’t pull on the cord or baby,” she said, relaying the dispatcher’s instructions. “Just let everything naturally happen.”

“He’s screaming,” the new grandmother said.

“Wipe off the baby’s mouth and nose,” Ludwig said. “Dry the baby with a clean towel, then wrap the baby in another dry clean towel. Cover the baby’s head, but not his face, without pulling the cord tight …”

The cord was loosely wrapped around the baby’s neck, a common occurrence, said Ludwig, who gave precise instructions about how to gently lift it without pulling, and move it over the baby’s head.

At the end, the new grandmother’s tearful relief was as audible.

“You guys did a great job,” Ludwig said.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Ludwig replied. “Congratulations.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Ludwig’s cool head, along with special training, made for a happy ending for the family.

“This was an exciting moment for all parties involved and I commend our Communications Unit for placing a priority on training to assist residents with situations like these,” Bouchard said in a statement.

All Oakland County Sheriff’s Office dispatch specialists are trained in emergency medical, fire, and police dispatch protocols. These protocols determine the best methods and practices to use in emergency situations and additionally, provide detailed information to emergency personnel arriving on the scene.

The mother and her son were transported to a local hospital for care after the arrival of emergency medical services.

Listen to the dramatic conversation below – and learn some tips on what to do if you’re ever called on to deliver a baby.