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What started as an emergency in the midst of traffic on the Turnpike ended up becoming a story of courage, humanity, and an unforgettable birth.
Lorena Acosta, a 21-year-old Cuban, gave birth to her first child inside a vehicle with the assistance of two officers from the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department, in what her family describes as "a miracle on wheels."
On Tuesday morning, while Acosta was being rushed to the hospital by her father-in-law, her water broke in the middle of the street, on the north side of 152nd Street in the Southwest.
The traffic was heavy and time was against them. Desperate, they managed to catch the attention of a patrol. The first to arrive was Officer Sophía Blancas, who, without hesitation, put on her gloves and took control of the situation.
"I told her: 'follow your body. Do what you feel, you will know when it's time to push the baby, breathe,'" Blancas shared with Telemundo 51.
For her part, the young mother explained that she touched herself and felt the baby's head, realizing that she was about to give birth right there.
"She treated me very well. I was nervous because it was my first baby, but she kept telling me, 'Everything is going to be fine,'" the girl said, praising the work of Officer Blancas.
A few minutes later, her companion Melissa Fernández joined her, running towards the car with an emergency thermal blanket. She also asked the grandfather to raise the car's heating to keep mother and son warm after the delivery.
"It was a team effort," emphasized Fernández. "That day we not only patrolled... we also gave life."
The baby, named Isaac Oliveira, was born healthy and was handed over to his mother right away so she could cradle him.
"It was emotional when he started to cry," Blancas stated to 7News.
The officials accompanied the family to the HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where both were evaluated and it was confirmed that they are in good health.
Acosta expressed her deep gratitude for the agents' intervention: "I am very grateful. They kept telling me that everything was going to be okay," she stated.
The newborn's grandmother, who was also present at the time of the birth, couldn't contain her emotion when she described the officers as "angels for the family."
Blancas and Fernández, both officers of the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police, received community recognition for their swift response, composure, and humanity.
In his own words, these types of moments are what give meaning to his vocation.
"That day we didn't just patrol... we also brought life," concluded one.
The unexpected scene on the highway has left an indelible mark on the Acosta family and on the officers who, that day, went from being law enforcement agents to the main characters in a birth.
Little Isaac, born under such extraordinary circumstances, begins his life surrounded by stories of courage, solidarity, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions about Births on the Miami-Dade Turnpike
How did the birth happen on the Miami-Dade Turnpike?
The birth happened when Lorena Acosta's water broke in the middle of traffic while her father-in-law was taking her to the hospital. Two Miami-Dade school officers, Sophia Blancas and Melissa Fernández, assisted with the delivery in the vehicle.
Who attended the birth and how did they help?
The officers Sophia Blancas and Melissa Fernández from the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department assisted Lorena Acosta. Blancas took control of the situation and Fernández brought an emergency thermal blanket, in addition to asking the grandfather to turn up the car's heating.
What was the reaction of the family and the community to the incident?
The family expressed deep gratitude towards the officers, describing them as "angels for the family." The community also acknowledged their swift response and humanity, highlighting the bravery and solidarity in emergency situations.
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