Current:Home > reviewsFlight Attendant Helps Deliver Baby the Size of Her Hand in Airplane Bathroom -AssetLink
Flight Attendant Helps Deliver Baby the Size of Her Hand in Airplane Bathroom
View
Date:2025-04-21 13:23:29
One Florida mom is thinking back to one of the most stressful moments of her life.
Shakeria Sullivan was seven months pregnant while on a Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Orlando on January 16, 2022 to be closer to her mother. However, the trip took a turn for the now 29-year-old when she started to experience contractions.
"I had to call for the flight attendant," she told People in an interview published July 17. "And that's when everything started happening so fast."
Luckily for Shakeria, she found herself in the very capable hands of lead flight attendant Diana Giraldo, who was suddenly thrust into the position of helping deliver the baby after no one else on the flight was qualified to assist.
Diana told the outlet she "tried to stay very focused and present in the moment, to make sure I was giving her my best." The two moved to the bathroom at the back of the airplane, and, as Diana recalled, Shakeria gave birth to a baby girl "relatively fast."
"Shakeria and I looked at each other, astonished that this just happened," she continued. "I was like, 'Congratulations, you're a mom!'"
However, they soon realized the baby wasn't breathing, so Diana quickly started to perform CPR on the newborn and put an oxygen mask on her face.
"The baby was tiny," the 36-year-old remembered. "She fit in the palm of my hand."
During the scary delivery, the flight attendant was so impressed by Shakeria, noting that the new mom "was incredibly brave."
Luckily for the duo, the plane was able to make an emergency landing at the Pensacola International Airport in Florida, where they were met by medical crews who transported the mother and daughter to a nearby hospital.
And most importantly, Shakeria and Diana's once in a lifetime story has a happy ending, as Shakeria's daughter Jadalyne Sky is now 2 years old and quite the active toddler.
"She is very, very smart," her mom added. "She loves to be outdoors."
And Diana keeps up with the family, sending Jadalyne presents for her birthday and Christmas.
"From what her mom says, she's a little troublemaker," she noted. "She's a firecracker."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (12161)
Related
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Woman who made maps for D-Day landings receives France's highest honor
- Max Verstappen wins 3rd straight Canadian Grand Prix for 60th Formula 1 victory
- Florida authorities warn of shark dangers along Gulf Coast beaches after 3 people are attacked
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Caitlin Clark heats up with best shooting performance of WNBA career: 'The basket looks bigger'
- Watch: 'Delivery' man wearing fake Amazon vest steals package from Massachusetts home
- Michael Landon stubbornly failed to prioritize his health before cancer, daughter says
- Golf's No. 1 Nelly Korda looking to regain her form – and her spot on the Olympic podium
- Biden calls France our first friend and enduring ally during state visit in Paris
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- 'Disappointing loss': Pakistan faces yet another embarrassing defeat in T20 World Cup
- Martha’s Vineyard is about to run out of pot. That’s led to a lawsuit and a scramble by regulators
- Caitlin Clark's next game: How to watch Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun on Monday
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- Classic Japanese film 'Seven Samurai' returns to movie theaters in July with 4K restoration
- Tesla's newest product: Tesla Mezcal, a $450 spirit that has a delicate smoky musk
- Methodist church regrets Ivory Coast’s split from the union as lifting of LGBTQ ban roils Africa
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Attacks in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions leave 28 dead, Moscow-backed officials say
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Reveals How She Marks the Anniversary of Her Mom's Death
Already 50? Here's how to build a million-dollar retirement from now.
Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
Movie Review: Glen Powell gives big leading man energy in ‘Hit Man’
Katie Holmes Makes Rare Comment About Daughter Suri While Reflecting on Style Evolution
35 children among those killed in latest Sudan civil war carnage, U.N. says