Baby makes surprise Mother's Day debut

FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Mother's Day can be emotional and special for many moms.

But there's one in Franklinville, Gloucester County who not only welcomed her newest child on Mother's Day, but his surprise birth is one the whole family will never forget.

Margaret Rivera was scheduled for a C-section on Monday, but her little guy Maximino decided to make his debut a day early - on Mother's Day.

"I didn't expect to give birth, at all," Rivera said.

So much so that she sent Dad to pick up his own mom for their Mother's Day gathering.

"Maybe 20 minutes after he left, the pain started getting worse and I said 'I am going to lay down' hoping it would get better and they got worse," Rivera said.

Margaret's 17-year-old daughter Emily helped deliver her baby brother while she called 911.

"She actually got the baby's head out before the ambulance came. They came right on time," Rivera said.

They say parts of this birth story tested their faith and strength.

"We had a moment where we were all a little scared because the baby wasn't crying and turning blue," Rivera said.

But now, everyone is healthy and couldn't be happier.

"It was a beautiful experience and what makes it even more special is I got to experience a special moment with her," Emily said as she put her hand on her mother's shoulder.

At 44-years-old, Margaret says just getting pregnant was an answered prayer.

"He was just a blessing to all of us," Rivera said.

But to have Maximino naturally with her family by her side on Mother's Day?

"It was definitely one of the best Mother's Days and one of the best gifts ever," Rivera said.

Meanwhile, Emily says assisting in her brother's birth has inspired her to become a doctor.

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