For many mums-to-be indulging in one last holiday with their other half before the birth of their baby is a normal part of pregnancy.

 

But for one American couple, their baby-moon didn’t quite end exactly how they would have liked it to, and now donations are pouring in.

 

When Jenny Drake went into early labour on a transatlantic flight from Paris to Tennessee, she ended up being rushed to the Rotunda Hospital where baby Zoe arrived just four minutes later.

 

"I was just trying to keep her in -- which is easier said than done. I just kept thinking 'please let me make it to the hospital' because every minute counts without oxygen. And we did - four minutes after I got to the hospital, Zoe was born,” the mum-of-two explained.

 

 

Thankfully, despite being born at 25 weeks, Zoe Ireland is said to be big for her age and doing well, but will need to remain in intensive care for weeks.

 

"My big fear was that, if she was born on the plane she wouldn't make it because she was so young and her lungs were not properly developed,” Jenny explained.

 

The couple had been in Paris on a short trip and were on their way home when Jenny went into labour - although she tried to convince herself they were Braxton Hicks.

 

 

After flagging down a flight attendant, who then got the assistant of medics on board, the plane was diverted to Dublin.

 

"I felt for my poor husband - at one point they handed him a bag and said you may have to catch her."

 

As the family wait for Zoe to get strong enough to go back home they will accrue many medical bills and a fundraising page has been set up to help them. So far the couple have raised over $12,000 of their $15,000 target, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

 

"It was just really emotional. It was a huge relief to arrive safely. The doctors said she was big for 25 weeks, but she looks tiny to me. We are just so grateful to everyone who helped and are thankful she is doing well," Jenny explained.

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