Cape Cod Couple Welcomes Baby on Highway Shoulder in True Local Fashion

In a scenario that epitomizes Cape Cod life, Danya and Rebecca Mahota experienced an extraordinary journey to parenthood on August 8, 2023. Their daughter, Summer, made her entrance into the world on the shoulder of Route 6, also known as the Mid-Cape Highway, showcasing the unpredictable nature of childbirth.

The Mahotas, residents of Brewster, a town incorporated in 1803 and named after Elder William Brewster of the Mayflower, were en route to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. This 45-mile journey took an unexpected turn when Rebecca realized their baby wasn't going to wait for their arrival at the medical facility.

Danya, demonstrating quick thinking, safely maneuvered to the highway's shoulder. With no time to spare, the couple worked together to deliver their daughter. Rebecca's maternal instincts kicked in as she guided her husband through the process.

"I delivered that baby with straight adrenaline."

Within minutes, Summer was born at 9:55 a.m., wrapped in a blanket crafted by her grandmother. This blanket, originally intended for use in the hospital, found its purpose in this impromptu delivery setting.

The post-delivery events unfolded in a manner that locals might find amusingly familiar. The couple proceeded to a nearby Dunkin' parking lot, where emergency services met them. In a scene that Danya humorously described as befitting "every Massachusetts father," he cut his daughter's umbilical cord using an X-Acto knife in the parking lot of the iconic Massachusetts-founded coffee chain.

This experience highlighted the unique aspects of Cape Cod life, from navigating summer traffic to the omnipresence of Dunkin' establishments. Massachusetts boasts the highest per capita concentration of Dunkin' stores in the United States, a testament to the brand's local significance.

The Mahotas' story took another interesting turn when they realized Rebecca's phone was missing. Utilizing GPS technology, which became fully operational for civilian use in 1995, they located the device on the highway. In a stroke of luck, Danya's wedding ring, lost during the delivery, was also recovered at the same location days later.

The couple's older daughter, Kendall, has embraced her role as a big sister with enthusiasm. The family views Summer's dramatic arrival as a sign of great things to come, with Rebecca expressing confidence in her daughter's future impact.

This extraordinary birth story, first reported by the Cape Cod Times (founded in 1936), serves as a reminder of the lower-than-average home birth rate in Massachusetts and the state's commendable infant mortality rate, one of the lowest in the United States. It also reflects the challenges and charms of Cape Cod, where the population can nearly triple during peak summer months due to tourism.

As the Mahotas adjust to life with their new addition, they're grateful for the positive outcome of what could have been a risky situation. Their experience, while unique, embodies the spirit of their community and will undoubtedly become a cherished family tale for years to come.