Community Corner
Woman Gives Birth On CTA Bus
Baby Samantha Centeno Lara just couldn't wait to be born — her mother gave birth during rush hour traffic on the way to the hospital.
CHICAGO — A healthy baby born Wednesday will have a story to tell for the rest of her life — her mother gave birth to her on a public bus on Chicago's West Side. Samantha Centeno Lara weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Her mother, Guadeloupe Lara, is also doing well.
After Samantha's parents dropped her siblings off at school, her mother felt contractions. They boarded CTA's No. 9 bus, hoping to get to Mercy Medical Center on time, but it was too late —Samantha was ready to see the world.
The bus driver pulled over at Ashland and Cermak and called an ambulance, but the mother gave birth before medical professionals could arrive. Samantha's father caught her, much to the surprise of fellow bus passengers.
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Guadeloupe Lara, 33, has been recovering at University of Illinois Medical Center, which was about a mile away.
The mother told WGN that she's very happy, but surprised by how quickly she gave birth.
Find out what's happening in West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Samantha is doing well and her siblings are excited to meet her.
Image via Sharon Parmet/UI Health
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