Mother shares moment baby was born at home with help from first responders in masks: 'These people have made an imprint on my heart'

'My respect for first responders is incredible'

Mother shares tribute to first responders after they help deliver baby at home (Instagram @faldmoashley)

A mother has shared a heartwarming tribute to the first responders who helped her give birth after she went into labour at home during lockdown.

According to Ashley Faldmo, 29, whose photo of her nursing her newborn baby on the floor while surrounded by first responders in masks has since gone viral, she had woken that day to what she thought was “cramping”.

Explaining on Instagram that she insisted her husband leave for work that morning because her water hadn’t broken yet, the mother-of-three from Coppell, Texas, recalled calling him an hour and a half later and telling him to get home immediately.

“While on the phone, my water broke and I told him to call 911 because contractions immediately escalated,” Faldmo wrote, adding that she then “dropped the phone and fell to the floor on hands and knees while Amanda jumped on my back thinking: ‘mom’s playing horse!’”

Just minutes after, paramedics from the Coppell Fire Department arrived, and informed Faldmo that the baby was “coming now”.

According to Faldmo, five minutes later, her husband arrived home and “seven minutes and four pushes later Collins was born”.

After recalling the events that led up to the birth of the couple’s daughter, Faldmo praised the Coppell Fire Department first responders, writing that her “respect for first responders is incredible.”

“These people have made an imprint on my heart I can’t describe with words, but can say the peace they brought to our home in a traumatic situation was unreal,” Faldmo said, before expressing her gratitude towards her friend Julie who came over to watch her other children and her young daughter Reagan, who opened the garage to let the firemen in.

Faldmo concluded the post: “I’m grateful for the tender mercies experienced 8 April, 2020. The gratitude I have for this day is unforgettable.”

The touching tribute has since prompted an outpouring of support for both Faldmo and the first responders who helped her through the delivery.

“This story is riveting and truly amazing,” one person wrote. “First responders are the best… and helpful kids too! Congratulations to you all.”

Another said: “I have also had paramedics deliver a baby. It was a special spiritual experience knowing so many people dropped everything they were doing to help me. It is one of my most cherished experiences. Congratulations on your baby!”

The fire department also shared the moving photo on Instagram and reflected on the "uniquely memorable moments" that happen even during challenging times.

"Even in challenging times like these, life goes on and produces some uniquely memorable moments. Thank you to the Faldmo family for sharing your beautiful story," the Coppell Fire Department wrote. "Proud of our team, all their hard work and continued dedication to the community."