Confusing one date for another, a US educator unexpectedly delivered her baby outside the school premises on the pavement.
Lindsay Gbalokw, a sixth-grade teacher at DSST: Co-op Gree in Denver, Colorado, had originally anticipated her due date to be on September 17. However, she woke up on September 3, assuming it was a false alarm.
Although she managed to attend the morning assembly, her labor pains intensified during class. An ambulance was summoned, and Gbalokwu made her way to the front of the school to await assistance, ultimately collapsing on the footpath outside.
A sleeping bag was arranged for her, and emergency personnel guided the school principal and dean over the phone to aid in the delivery of the healthy baby girl, whom she named Zara.
"In the classroom, the pain escalated from 0 to 100," Gbalokwu recounted. Reflecting on the delivery, she added, "I was in so much pain; I didn't care that these people are my bosses; they are both parents. They were my support people."
The teacher's colleague, Vanessa Shantel, shared the remarkable tale on Facebook. "Crazy story. My co-worker delivered her baby in the school parking lot! Needless to say, it was quite unexpected," she wrote.
"If you're able and willing to contribute some funds or send a meal of your choosing to be delivered to them – that would be awesome. This family deserves the help of the village. Lindsay, you are a champ. I'm sad our time teaching together was cut short by a week, but I'm happy that you get one more week to love on baby Zara."
Friends of the teacher have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to assist with meals as the family tends to their newborn. On the page, they shared the exciting narrative of baby Zara's arrival.
"Like a true dedicated teacher, Lindsay arrived at school that day thinking nothing would be out of the ordinary," they wrote. "A short 1 hour and 15 minutes later, Zara decided it was time to greet the world. Born at DSST Conservatory Green Middle School, she is a true miracle. Mom, Dad, and big brother Zeke are so excited to have Zara home, and both Mom and Baby are doing great!"
