“I didn’t have anyone who would help, and I didn’t want my baby to get sent away with Child Protective Services,” Bourgeois told The Washington Post while discussing her fears after learning she was pregnant. “I wasn’t sure what to do or where to turn.”

Bourgeois opened up about her situation to several women at the facility. Some suggested she reach out to Bell, who’s known for her love of babies.

“Everyone said she was sweet and always kept her word,” the 30-year-old said.

Bourgeois did just that, and Bell offered to help with no hesitation.

“I knew it was the right thing to do,” Bell told the Post.

Bell said it was clear her offer touched Bourgeois.

“When I asked Katie if she’d like me to come and get her baby when it was time, you could see the relief on her face,” she added. “She said, ‘Miss Bell, I’d love for you to take my baby, because I don’t have anyone else to do it.’”

They agreed that Bell would take the newborn in for around two months while Bourgeois completed her prison time. Bell was aware that the decision may be an issue with her employer — corrections officers are barred from giving their personal contact information to incarcerated people. But she thought she may be spared, due to the circumstances.

Bell informed her supervisor about taking in Bourgeois’ child, explaining that she could leave the baby at a day care center in her neighborhood that her friend runs. Her supervisor was skeptical.

“[My supervisor] said it sounded like a conflict of interest because I worked there, but that he’d talk to some people in charge,” she said. “I didn’t hear back about it.”

Weeks passed, and on May 16, Bourgeois went into labor. As she was sent to a hospital for delivery, Bell was called into a meeting with facility administrators.

“The captain said, ‘We’ve learned that your contact information was given to an inmate,’ and he told me it was against the rules,” Bell said. “He asked if I was still going to go through with [caring for the baby], and I told him that if the hospital called me, I was going to go and get that child.”

Bell decided to take Bourgeois’ little one, come what may. Though she was hoping for compassion, she was terminated from her position on the spot, The Vicksburg Post reported.

According to The Washington Post, the following day, Bourgeois gave birth to a 7-pound boy named Kayson.

Bourgeois was sent back to prison to finish the last months of her sentence, which she was serving for using drugs while on parole. She gave the hospital permission to leave Kayson in Bell’s hands.

“I knew that Miss Bell really cared, and that Kayson would be in good hands,” she said, and also noted that she was not permitted to see or contact Bell.

Bell took care of Kayson and spent weeks doing everything she could for the newborn, including making sure he had feedings every two to four hours.

“He’s a good little boy who doesn’t cry much,” she said.

Since Bourgeois was released from prison, mommy and baby have been staying with Bell until they get on their feet. Bourgeois hopes to be a hairstylist, while Bell recently got a job helping her neighbor care for an elderly parent. She ultimately hopes to start a group home for formerly incarcerated women who have no place to go.

“Losing my job has been hard — my kids have been helping me out,” she said.

Bell added that even though life after walking away from her career as a corrections officer has been tough, seeing Kayson grow makes it all worth it.

“To see his little face and his smile — it was just a joy,” she said. “And now, to watch Katie with him and see all of that love and the promise of a new beginning has made it all worthwhile.”