Watch CBS News

6,700 Miles Away, Skype Brings Dad To Delivery Room

WOODBURY, Minn. (WCCO) - James Robbins got the message every expecting father waits nine long months to receive. But getting to the hospital in time wasn't an option.

"She says, 'Hey, you need to call me, we're about to have the baby,'" Robbins said.

James is a former marine who is currently on assignment for the Department of Defense in Kuwait. He needed to find the nearest computer, and fast.

"It's definitely the closest you can get to actually being there yourself," he said. "It's amazing what technology can do that you can bring somebody from Kuwait all the way to Woodbury, Minn. to be present for a delivery."

The baby wasn't supposed to come so early, giving Robbins no choice but to rush to his apartment and go online in hopes of catching the moment.

He was able to log in just before his wife, Melissa, gave birth to their 6-pound, 10-ounce son.

"Little Mason, Mason buddy, awww. Do you hear Daddy? Now you need to talk back to Daddy!" Robbins said.

A family, thousands of miles away, can be together as a trio for the very first time.

"Baby did well, Mom did well. You can't ask for anything more," he said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.