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Police Officer Steps Up to Breastfeed Dangerously Malnourished Baby

This officer went above and beyond the call of duty when a sick baby arrived at the hospital.
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By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Published August 20, 2018
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Image: Getty Images

Not all heroes wear capes.

Donned in her black police officer uniform, Celeste Ayala rose to the occasion and breastfed a malnourished baby after he arrived to a hospital while she was on duty.

The baby, whose mother had been struggling to care for him, arrived at Sister Maria Ludovica Children’s Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, dangerously malnourished and dirty, according to hospital workers.

When the staff became overwhelmed by the situation, Ayala—a mother herself—selflessly stepped in and took matters into her own hands. She cradled the baby in her arms and asked if she could breastfeed him, and immediately the baby boy calmed down.

“It was a sad moment. It broke my soul seeing him like this,” Ayala told local news media. “Society should be sensitive to the issues affecting children; it cannot keep happening.”

A colleague captured the sweet moment and shared it in a Facebook post that has since been shared more than 150,000 times.

“I want to make public this great gesture of love you made today for this little baby who you did not know, but for who you did not hesitate to act like a mother. You did not care if he was dirty or smelly, which is what the hospital staff called him,” the colleague shares on her social media post, which has been translated into English.

Hundreds of social media users joined in and praised Ayala for her heroic actions.

“Congratulations, you are a great woman and you must be an excellent mom,” one user’s comment translates to.

“You’re an example of a woman. God bless you,” another comment reads.

Another follower summed up our very thoughts, saying, “Immense…that’s a mother!”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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