The woman gave birth in the Countdown carpark. Photo / John Stone
A Hamilton woman has received an early Christmas present - her baby delivered during a morning trip to the supermarket.
The woman was in the carpark of the Countdown on Anglesea St when she went into labour and gave birth yesterday morning.
Store manager Pete Lawrence said the first he knew of it was when an ambulance pulled up.
He understood the woman had just done a bit of shopping in store when she went into labour. "Lots of the customers were assisting to make sure she had some privacy."
Mr Lawrence said despite the unconventional birthing place it all seemed to go smoothly.
"It was real quick, 20 or 25 minutes and she was taken to hospital."
He said it was the first time he'd seen a baby born in a supermarket carpark.
"It put a smile on my face," he said. "Christmas is a great time of year and to have something like this, it's awesome."
Mr Lawrence said Countdown wanted to give the new parents a special Christmas baby package if the parents wanted to make themselves known.
'We are increasing prices by as little as we can.'