Raymond Terrace Mum Delivers Surprise Baby in Florida Hotel Amidst Hurricane Milton

14 October 2024

A Raymond Terrace couple’s dream holiday to the United States has turned into a stressful ordeal after they unexpectedly became parents during Hurricane Milton. Dayna and Tony, both 26 were midway through their six-week trip when Dayna gave birth to a baby girl without knowing she was pregnant.

The couple had been visiting Walt Disney World in Florida when the theme park closed ahead of the approaching hurricane. Returning to their Orlando hotel to shelter from the storm, Dayna began experiencing severe pain in the early hours of the morning. Believing it was just discomfort from coming off the contraceptive pill, she went to the bathroom while Tony slept.

“I started feeling really unwell, and it turned to pain up and down my leg,” Dayna told 7 News. “The power had gone out, so I went to the bathroom, and I was just in all this pain.” Moments later, she heard the cries of a newborn and realised she had given birth.

Tony woke up to the shocking news. “When I woke up, Dayna said, ‘Good morning, you’re a dad,'” he recounted. Paramedics arrived quickly, but baby Audrey was born healthy before they reached the hospital.

Dayna, a primary and early childhood teacher, had no idea she was 41 weeks pregnant. She had recently stopped using the contraceptive pill after 12 years and was told by doctors she might have polycystic ovary syndrome. “I didn’t even look pregnant, let alone 41 weeks pregnant,” she explained. “I had absolutely no idea and really no symptoms.”

Their joy was short-lived as they soon discovered the legal complications of having a child born in the United States. Audrey, now an American citizen by birth, requires Australian citizenship to return home. The couple applied for her citizenship but were informed the process could take between two to seven months.

“We’re Australian citizens; we don’t have the funds to live here for almost a year,” Tony told Weekend Today. “We just want to go home.”

While their travel insurance will cover medical expenses, the logistical and financial strain of an extended stay is overwhelming. They have only ten days left on their hotel reservation and are unsure of their next steps. “I’ve got to get home, and we don’t know if they’re going to let us or if we can even get home in the near future,” Dayna said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the Australian government is assisting the couple. “The Australian Government is providing support to two Australians in the United States,” the spokeswoman told News.com.au. “Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Despite the chaos, baby Audrey is doing exceptionally well. “I can’t believe how well she’s doing considering some of the stuff I was doing, like going on rides and flying at 41 weeks pregnant,” Dayna told 9 News.

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida last week, causing widespread destruction and leaving millions without power. The storm prompted the closure of theme parks and forced residents and tourists alike to seek shelter.

As they await news on Audrey’s citizenship application, the couple remains hopeful. “We’re quite stressed about it,” Dayna admitted. “We just hope we can all go home soon.”

According to Australian law, children born overseas to Australian citizens can apply for citizenship by descent and an Australian passport. However, applications are assessed individually and may take time to process.

For now, Dayna and Tony are focused on caring for their unexpected but much-loved new addition. “This wasn’t how we planned our trip, but we’re grateful that Audrey is healthy,” Tony said.