Mum who gave birth while flying admits she had “no idea” of pregnancy
Lavinia Tiana Mounga was on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Honolulu, in Hawaii, when she went into labour mid-way through a six-hour flight.
Thankfully, there was a family medicine doctor, a physician’s assistant and three neonatal intensive care unit nurses on the flight.
Together they spent three hours in the air before the plane landed and emergency medical service crew met them at the tarmac to transport the family to the hospital.
The baby boy was named Raymond Kaimana Wade Kobe Lavaki Mounga and has been described a "miracle" by family.
Raymond’s dad, Ethan Magalei, is yet to meet him in person.
"Life. It’s a crazy thing. It’s strange knowing that millions of people on the internet know about a birth that took place on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City, Utah to Honolulu, HI. A birth I could not be there for but still blessed to see videos of," he wrote to Facebook on Sunday.
He thanked the medical professionals who helped deliver his son and admitted he and his partner were unaware they had a baby on the way.
"The birth came as a shock to us both as we had NO idea that she was pregnant," part of his post read.
Raymond has remained in hospital as he was born premature at just 26 or 27 weeks, according to one of the nurses who delivered him.
Raymond’s aunty has launched a fundraiser for the family as they will be staying in Honolulu until it is safe to fly back to Utah.
"Our miracle baby nephew was born with three hours left on our flight and was such a strong trooper. Our sister did not know she was pregnant so she was just as shocked as the rest of us when our nephew was born," the page read.
"Lavinia and baby will be staying in Hawaii longer while baby gets healthy enough to fly back home to Utah. Any donation is much appreciated to help our sister during her stay here.
"We love our little baby... and can’t wait til we are able to bring him back home to Utah."