I’ve heard of people giving birth on the back of a jeep, but this is to a whole new level. A video was posted online a few days ago of a woman giving birth to a baby girl on CI 8 from Taipei to Los Angeles.
Via The Straits Times:
The woman, whom the carrier said was not yet 32 weeks pregnant, informed the crew six hours into the 19-hour flight that her water had broken.
According to the China Post, the pilot immediately diverted to Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport but the woman, who was alone, gave birth 30 minutes before the plane landed.
(courtesy One Mile at A Time)
A doctor who happened to be on board helped to deliver the baby.
Mother and baby were sent to a local hospital in healthy condition, while the plane refueled and continued its journey, arriving in Los Angeles three hours behind schedule.
Passenger Amira Rajput posted a minute-long video of the birth on her YouTube channel, which has since racked up close to 300,000 views.
A flight attendant was seen holding the newborn wrapped in a blanket, while her colleagues huddled around the mother. Passengers could also be heard in the background clapping and cheering.
Ms Rajput, speaking to ABC News, said the mother was “tough as nails” and bit down on blankets to prevent herself from screaming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP4hr1pxFNM
I have a lot of admiration for both the carrier and the woman. The woman handled her birth calmly, and made the delivery successful. The carrier helped take care of the situation, and made sure everything was delivered properly. And the birth was done on a Boeing 777-300ER, so at least it was an ambient birth room, even in economy.
China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Economy Class (thedesignair.net)
Ouch!