Babies often keep to their own schedule, as Katie Murphy recently found out when she gave birth in a KFC parking lot. According to SWNS, Katie, 33, was being driven to the hospital by her partner, Stephen Kirby, 32, when she felt the urge to push. The couple pulled into a KFC off the A38 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, in the United Kingdom, so that Stephen could call for an ambulance.
PEOPLE reported that things moved fast. Moments after they pulled over, Katie gave birth to baby Cody in the car at 9:35 PM on August 29. Stephen stepped in to deliver him before the paramedics could reach them.
Katie, who works as a complaints call handler, shared her experience with SWNS, saying, “When the ambulance dispatcher was trying to locate our location, the only place we could find was the KFC.” She continued, “As my partner pulled into the car park, and as he made his way round to the passenger side and opened the door, he caught my son just in time.”
Colonel approved
Katie told SWNS, “Thankfully, the ambulances arrived shortly after and the amazing staff took us to the hospital directly with my shell-shocked partner following closely behind in the car.” The baby arrived healthy, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz. Because of the unconventional location, the family has already given the newborn a nickname.
“We were famous amongst the midwifery staff and they even ordered KFC for dinner,” Katie told SWNS. “It was decided that we have to take him to KFC for his first birthday and get him his first weekend job there. We call him Colonel Cody and I think that nickname will definitely stick with him for life.” Katie noted that while the birth was not what she expected, it was worth the pain, and it certainly gives Cody a story to share when he gets older.
According to PEOPLE, the couple had been to the hospital earlier that day but were sent home because it was considered too early for the baby to arrive. Regena Felix of Arizona had a similar experience: she was sent home from the hospital and gave birth minutes later in a casino parking lot.
Stephen reportedly explained that even on the drive home, Katie was experiencing contractions. By 9 PM, the discomfort became too much to ignore, prompting them to head back out. The drive usually takes about half an hour, but they never made it all the way.
Katie told SWNS, “It all happened so fast. Thankfully, the ambulance was with us about five minutes later and took us to hospital. Despite his abrupt entrance into the world in his dad’s car, Cody is in perfect health and is doing great.”
Giving birth in unusual places is more common than you might think. Stay at Home Mum’s roundup of unusual births includes Seth Meyers’ wife, who only made it to her building’s lobby, and a Mozambican woman who gave birth in a tree during a flood, according to the outlet. Another surprise birth took place at a Michigan McDonald’s.
KFC also responded. A spokesperson said, “We’re honoured to have been the place of Cody’s birth and are sending bucket loads of love to the whole family, along with some KFC merch and vouchers to help them celebrate. We can’t wait to welcome them back for a meal to mark the occasion.”
It is a memorable way to start a life. Stay At Home Mum had some advice for the next set of parents who are shocked by their baby’s enthusiasm to avoid the hospital: stay calm, keep the mother comfortable, wash your hands, call emergency services, and be prepared for the fact that when a baby is ready, there is simply no stopping them.
Published: Sep 20, 2026 02:30 pm