AN American couple, whose baby was born in Dublin after her mother went into labour on a transatlantic flight, have named the baby Zoe Ireland.
Jenny Drake was travelling home to Nashville from Paris with her husband Gavin on Saturday, October 24, when she unexpectedly went into labour three months early.
The plane was diverted to Dublin one hour into the flight, and Jenny was rushed to hospital, where baby Zoe was delivered four minutes after they arrived.
The couple – also parents to three-year-old son Aiden – now face a lengthy stay in hospital until the newborn is healthy enough to fly.
Jenny Drake with her husband and son (Photo: Facebook)In a Facebook post, Jenny wrote:
For those that don't know, we had an eventful Saturday. We were flying home from Paris and I went into pre term labor at 25 weeks.
They diverted the plane to Dublin, Ireland and 4 minutes after arriving at the hospital, our precious Zoe was born. She weighed 2 pounds and has proven to be a feisty little thing. She came off the ventilator today and is breathing well on her own.
Please keep her and our family in your prayers as we have a long road ahead. We don't have wifi at the hospital but I'll try to keep everyone updated as much as possible."
The family – who own an optometry practice in Tennessee – are now fundraising to help with the cost of their medical bills.
In three days, almost $14,000 has been raised for the family. They are now just $1,000 away from reaching their target.
Donations can be made to the family here.
