An unsuspecting mother-to-be was in her bathroom on October 1, 2024, when she suddenly felt something weird. Unbeknownst to her, she had entered labor, a complete surprise given she didn't know she was pregnant at all. After her premature baby was born, she called emergency services, and an Indianapolis police officer, Kelly Chappell, 47, helped her save the baby's life.
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Talking with PEOPLE, Chappell recalled her episode with the mother, with the footage of her heroic gesture being made public by the Indianapolis Metro Police Department. According to Chappell, the baby was born at around 23 to 26 weeks and only weighed 2 pounds.
Given how premature the birth was, while babies do have a survival chance, they do need assistance from medical professionals. An environment such as a home bathroom did not provide that, so it was of vital importance that the baby received assistance as soon as possible. The mother, after giving birth to her baby, cut her umbilical cord and wrapped the baby in a shirt. However, the baby was not breathing.
"I felt for a pulse — couldn't feel anything. She had a bluish tint," Chappell said. Immediately, she began administering CPR with only two of her fingers on the baby's chest. Footage also shows Chappell pulling some fluid out of the baby's mouth. Finally, the baby gasped for air twice.
"This baby is going to have a chance," Chappell said. "It's really more of a miracle." After administering CPR for eight minutes, she handed the baby to the paramedics, who took the baby to the hospital. Meanwhile, Chappell comforted the mother, who did everything in her power to keep the baby alive too. "I told her, 'You did exactly what you need to do to keep your daughter alive,'" Chappell said.
Baby Recovering
The baby is currently recovering at the hospital, and the baby's mother is eternally grateful for Kelly Chappell and her quick and life-saving assistance. "God puts you in a place for a reason," Chappell said. "Every day you're just thankful the baby made it another day."
Chappell, who is a mother herself, told PEOPLE that not all mothers can feel their baby moving inside, something she also experienced while pregnant. "I didn't know for quite a while, Not everybody feels their child move," Chappell said. This type of pregnancy is known as a "cryptic pregnancy," according to Cleveland Clinic. A woman not knowing she is pregnant can happen due to irregular periods, not knowing common signs of pregnancy or even negative pregnancy test results.
The Indianapolis Metro Police Department praised Chappell's work and awarded her. "We are incredibly proud of Officer Kelly Chappell's lifesaving efforts," IMPD spokesman Tommy Thompson said. "Her efforts ensured that baby could breathe another day."
