At 36,000 feet – more than 10,000 meters above the ground – a woman from the USA gave birth to her child. Kendria Rhoden was flying from New York City to the Dominican Republic. On the Caribbean island, she wanted to enjoy the sun with her family before her son was born. But everything turned out very differently.
Her doctor had told her that she could take the flight without hesitation. After all, Rhoden was only in the 32nd week of pregnancy, the calculated date of birth was still a few weeks in the future. But on board the plane, the 21-year-old suddenly went into labor, reports the New York Post. The plane had barely taken off when Rhoden suffered from severe cramps.
“Everything happened so quickly,” she told KKTV. After just 34 minutes of flight time, her waters burst. Her sister, who was sitting next to her, could hardly believe it: “I kept asking her if she was sure, but when she got up her whole seat was soaked.” Fortunately, the flight attendants were there and supported the pregnant woman in this difficult situation: “The cabin crew was such a big help,” said Rhoden.
Four medically experienced passengers also rushed to assist. Rhoden was taken to the back of the plane where, after what her sister said was “20 extremely stressful minutes,” she gave birth. The cabin crew was finally able to make the announcement to the applause of the passengers: It’s a boy!
The little one will certainly have to listen to the story of his birth a few more times in his life – and his name is also a reminder: Kendria Rhoden named her baby Skylen Kavon-Air Francis. His birth certificate states “in the air” as the place of birth. The family first had to complete these and other formalities at the US Embassy in the Dominican Republic before they could return home a few weeks later.
Sources: New York Post / KKTV / Kendalee Rhoden on Tik Tok
Watch the video: Where do pilots and flight attendants actually relax during long flights when they want to take a break from duty? Travel blogger Zach Griff gives a rare glimpse of what the sleeping cabins look like in an Instagram video.
