Pregnant woman went into labor at 35,000 ft. Air hostess with no medical training did the unthinkable

An emergency can strike anytime and anywhere, and how we handle such situations makes all the difference. Instead of panicking, staying calm and composed is crucial. A recent incident proved this when an airline staff member helped a pregnant woman give birth mid-air. During a Brussels Airlines flight, a passenger began experiencing intense abdominal pain, as reported by The Bump. When a flight attendant named Jennifer Joie approached the distressed woman, she revealed that she was pregnant. Acting quickly, Joie comforted her and provided the necessary assistance to help her safely deliver a baby girl at 35, 000 ft.

The mid-air emergency unfolded during a Brussels Airlines flight from Dakar, Senegal, to Brussels, Belgium, per the outlet. It was described as an “unforgettable” moment for the passenger named Ndeye as her baby girl was born inside the airplane. The pregnant woman started feeling discomfort and pain shortly after boarding the flight. Seeing the passenger in distress, Joie, who is trained for nearly any in-flight emergency, immediately called for help from a medical assistant present on board. A 22-year-old newly graduated nurse named Lore and a doctor promptly came forward.

“Jennifer, one of our cabin crew members and a mother herself, quickly realized these weren’t just stomach cramps. With the help of a recently graduated nurse on board, they timed her contractions,” Brussels Airlines shared in a LinkedIn post about the incident. As Ndeye's labor pains intensified, the cabin crew relocated her to the galley area on the plane. With their quick thinking, the airline staff managed to set up a makeshift delivery room within the confined space. Joie remained actively present, providing comfort to the mother throughout the birth.

The experienced attendant remained calm during the emergency procedure while continuously providing steady support to the passenger in need, per the outlet. With the nurse and doctor guiding Ndeye through breathing techniques, it was not long before her water broke. “Baby Fanta” entered the world at an absolutely breathtaking moment, as confirmed by the airline in its statement. With passengers applauding the staff members, the entire flight was reportedly filled with joy and cheers. After the doctor confirmed that the baby was doing fine, Joie gently took her into her arms.

“I still don’t quite realize what happened. Helping deliver a baby was something I’d only ever imagined. In another life, I might have been a midwife,” the flight attendant said. The mid-air delivery was hailed as nothing short of a miracle on social media. Describing the event as a “true reflection of teamwork, care and the extraordinary moments that happen in the sky,” Brussels Airlines remarked, “Welcome to the world, little Fanta! We hope to have you on board again one day.” “As a cabin crew member, you train for everything, even childbirth—but nothing prepares you for the real thing. But we stayed calm, worked as a team, and followed our procedures. It was magical. If I hadn’t become a cabin crew member, I think I would have been a midwife,” Joie added.

The post garnered widespread attention and appreciation from people online. "As someone who hangs with midwives - she has the midwife look. I love this story so much," praised Charisse Fontes. "Being ex-crew, they really do teach you everything! What a beautiful story - cabin crew you are heroes," added Gabriella Campbell. "It gives me goosebumps and a massive smile. An intense though beautiful story. Beyond customer experience and passion. Well done, Jennifer and crew. Welcome, baby Fanta," said Laurence Rycek.