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Woman accused of attempting to smother baby while in hospital due in court

PITTSBURGH — The mother accused of trying to smother her baby while he was being treated at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Rachel Nelson, 22, of Costa, W.Va., is facing aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child charges.

Police said Nelson admitted to holding her 4-month-old against her chest and squeezing him while he struggled to breathe.

Investigators said she attempted to smother the boy twice while he was being treated at the Lawrenceville hospital.