by Kevin Burton
Is there more to Costco than meets the eye?
From UPI March 30, came a story about a Michigan couple who didn’t quite make it to the hospital when their baby was due.
“Emergency responders in Michigan said an impatient baby refused to wait for the hospital and ended up being born in the parking lot of a Costco store,” wrote UPI reporter Ben Hooper.
“Green Oak Township Fire Department said a couple was on their way to the hospital when they realized they would not make it in time for their baby’s birth.”
“The couple pulled over in the parking lot of the Brighton-area Costco Wholesale store and contacted Livingston County EMS. Emergency responders arrived just in time to assist with the delivery, which fire officials said was successful and without complications.”
“The mother and baby were transported the rest of the way to the hospital in an ambulance. Green Oak Fire Deputy Chief Tracy Chamberlain said the family was doing well after the delivery.”
Just so you know, a blogger is contractually obligated to run a story like that. I was preparing to do my civic duty, when I found the following 2019 story from WABC TV7 in New York City:
“First responders came to the rescue to help deliver a baby girl in the parking lot of a New York Costco.”
“The baby was born Monday morning just before 8:30 a.m. at the store in the 600 block of Rockaway Turnpike.”
(Don’t you just love the New York story, telling us what block the store was in? Makes the whole thing sound like a crime story? Do wedding invitations in New York give the location by referring to the block?)
“Shantie Krissoondatt and Christopher Lakharam were on their way to the hospital when Krissoondatt said she felt like the baby was coming. So that is when Lakharam pulled over into the parking lot and called 911.”
“Police from Nassau County arrived to the scene and helped a medic deliver the baby girl in the front seat of the car. The little girl was due on Aug. 13 and Krissoondatt said it all happened so quickly that she still has not had time to process it.”
“I’m still in shock, I’m just grateful for everyone that was here to help, I’m so grateful for you guys, thank you,” Krissoondatt said.
The baby was then taken to a local hospital and is said to be healthy and doing fine. She was born weighing 5 pounds and 12 ounces. Her parents have not decided on a name for her quite yet.
The couple also has an 18-month-old daughter at home who is excited to meet her baby sister.
(That excitement will wear off, trust me.)
The family is recovering at South Nassau Community Hospital and celebrating this new addition to their family.
Costco is the fifth largest retailer in the world, with 584 locations in the United States and more than 250 stores in other countries including Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan and the United Kingdom, according to Wikipedia.
Friends, Costco did not reach that level of success by giving out freebies.
Both the UPI and ABC stories were short and sweet, which I usually like. But some details were left out.
Like Sam’s Club, Costco is open only to its members. The cheapest membership is $60. Were either of the families Costco members? Does being born on Costco premises earn one a membership?
Does Costco charge for use of its outdoor labor delivery facilities? If so, what are the everyday low prices for such? Do they charge by the pound, the ounce?
According to the company website, the chain carries diapers, wipes and training pants. Costco has baby furniture including baby monitors, clothing and toys, baby formula and booster seats.
All those items have their price and I would think use of the parking lot for labor delivery would as well, but I didn’t find it on the website.
Anyway, you expectant fathers, if you are planning to drive your wife to the hospital for delivery, plan a route that passes by a Costco store just in case.
Finally, what would you name a Costco-delivered baby, a child born to amass wealth one bargain at a time?
May I suggest, Sterling, Buck, Ira, Benjamin, Rich or Rock for a boy; Diamond, Emerald, Gem, Goldie, Jewel, Pearl, or Ruby for a girl.
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