By By GREG KATSKI
Community Editor
The first child born at Beaufort County Medical Center in 2010 was actually born in the hospital’s parking lot.
Quintina Bryant, 22, of Engelhard, gave birth to a 6 pound, 13 ounce baby girl in her friend’s mother’s minivan at about 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The delivery came in the parking lot after an hour and 15 minute ride from Engelhard to Washington.
The baby, named Kiana Blount, was delivered by Bryant’s mother, Debra Jennette. The baby’s father, Romane Blount, 22, also of Engelhard, was sitting next to Bryant in the minivan as she gave birth to their baby girl.
“I was too scared to grab the baby, but she came right on out,” he said.
At that point, the elder Blount said he was overcome with emotion.
“I started crying then,” he said. “The baby didn’t even cry. I did all the crying for (her).”
The elder Blount said he ran into the hospital’s emergency room after the baby was born to notify the proper nurses and doctors.
Bryant and her baby were then taken to the maternity ward to rest.
Bryant said she went into labor at about 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at her and Blount’s house in Engelhard. She said going into labor was unexpected since the baby was due on Jan. 23, adding that she’s glad her pregnancy is over with.
“I was ready for her to come out, too,” Bryant said.
The elder Blount said he’s happy to have a baby girl since the couple has a 2-year-old boy named Ceyonte.
“We already have a son, so that’s good that we’ve got a little girl,” he said. “I’m very excited.”
“She’s a little angel,” added the elder Blount.
The couple’s son was also born at BCMC on March 1, 2007.
In keeping with BCMC tradition, the hospital’s volunteer department presented a gift basket to the couple and their newborn baby on Saturday afternoon.
“The volunteer department has always been very active (in the community),” said Pam Shadle, director of marketing and public relations at BCMC, who gave the basket to Bryant and Blount.
The basket included two handmade blankets, wipes, wash cloths, a rubber duck and pacifiers.