News anchor stays on air during labor, welcomes baby hours later

In an unexpected moment, local CBS6 Albany co-anchor Olivia Jaquith remained at the news desk Wednesday morning despite being in active labor.

The journalist continued anchoring the morning broadcast for nearly three hours after her water broke, just two days past her due date.

Her co-anchor Julia Dunn kicked off the broadcast with a surprising announcement, saying, “We do have some breaking news this morning literally. Olivia’s water has broken, and she is anchoring the news now in active labor.” Jaquith responded with a laugh, clarifying, “Early labor, early labor.”

Commitment to the Job Amid Contractions

Rather than rushing to the hospital, Jaquith chose to continue her shift. She explained her decision to the Times Union, saying she preferred staying at work instead of anxiously waiting at the hospital. “I’m happy to be here, and I’ll stay on the desk for as long as possible,” she said during the live broadcast. “But if I disappear, that’s what’s going on.”

Dunn also kept the moment going by live-streaming on Facebook, capturing the supportive and light-hearted atmosphere in the studio as Jaquith powered through contractions with the help of her colleagues.

Welcoming Baby Quincy

The following day, Jaquith and her husband welcomed a healthy baby boy named Quincy. The birth was announced on Thursday.

In a message to the Times Union, Jaquith expressed her gratitude for her co-workers, stating, “Having the entire morning team alongside me cracking jokes helped me get through contractions much easier.”

A Memorable Broadcast

The moment quickly gained attention on social media, with viewers applauding Jaquith’s professionalism, calmness, and humor under extraordinary circumstances. Her commitment to journalism even during early labor has become a memorable highlight in local broadcasting.

(With inputs from AP)

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