New Mom Gives Birth, Abandons Newborn Alone in New Hampshire Forest, Say Cops

A 26-year-old woman has been arrested after giving birth in the New Hampshire woods and then initially misdirecting first responders to the newborn’s location.

Manchester Police said firefighters found Alexandra Eckersley’s baby at about 2 a.m. Monday in 18 degree temperatures.

Eckersley called police for help after delivering the baby, but initially provided the wrong location for the baby, police said. Then, more than an hour later, she “revealed the true location of the baby and led officers to the area.” The baby was found in  a tent, struggling to breathe, and was rushed to a hospital, NECN reported.

“They started immediately assisting the baby to breathe and keeping the baby warm and they rushed to the hospital in the fire engine,” Manchester Fire Chief Jon Starr said. “We were amazed that the baby was still alive but that just speaks to the professionalism of first responders here in Manchester.”

Eckersley has been charged with felony reckless conduct, police said, and was still in the hospital Tuesday morning. She was initially arrested on an unrelated warrant for endangering the welfare of a child.

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[Featured image: Alexandra Eckersley/Manchester Police Department]