Another Incredible Birth Story:

I have told a few birth stories in my blog about my Grandmother and her Midwifery experiences in rural Alberta..... and they are incredible enough.

Here is an interesting story of a young woman who was pregnant and didn't know it, so embarked on a rigorous hike up the 75 kilometer West Coast Trail with her father and subsequently went into labor 2 days into the trip.

She had to be evacuated out - taken to the hospital for her delivery.  Here is her story:



If you want to read up on the story in greater detail, here is the newspaper article.

Interestingly enough, a nurse from the Northwest Territories happened to be on the trail at the same time.  They borrowed her cell to make the Emergency Call. 

Responding paramedics arrived by inflatable motor-powered boat which they anchored off shore - and inflated a secondary boat which they rowed through 1 1/2 meter swells to shore, and after examinations done... put her in a "floater suit"  and rowed her back to  the  larger zodiac and delivered her to a dock in Port Renfrew where an ambulance awaited.

Transported to Victoria General Hospital, her acute abdomen was finally diagnosed as labor.  According to the paramedic attending at the scene - "there wasn't an obvious belly".

She delivered by cesarean section,  a baby girl weighing in at 7lbs 4 ounces.

Quite the surprise.

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In my late 20's, I hiked that West Coast Trail on a Biology field trip to Bamfield when I was in my RN training.  Believe me, it's not a trail you would want to traverse when you are not pregnant.....never mind when you are in labor! 

To appreciate the incredulousness of the above story, here are some facts about the West Coast Trail:

-Some hikers have died on the trail.

-Some cell phone connections *might* be available on some beaches - sometimes. VHF radio connection is more reliable.

-You cannot use 911 for emergencies.

-Rogue waves and surge channels make hiking a dangerous risk.

-This is not a good hike to choose if you are not used to multi-day hikes in rigorous conditions

-Slippery footing causes multiple falls en route.  Guaranteed.

-Few finish this adventure pain-free.

-You have to carry your own backpack, which is usually very heavy, whilst on this strenuous hike.

-You will have to climb 50 huge ladders

-Rain and wind are the norm. You will need a good tent.

-6 inches of rain in 12 hours is a real possibility.  Don't try to attempt this in sneakers. The mud can be as deep as mid-calf.

-In the summer it gets nice and warm at 57F. Hypothermia is a risk.

-There is food available at the 44 km mark.  Otherwise, bring your own.

-You will also need to bring rope to hang your food in trees to keep away from bears.

- Rescue services may only be available "in season".  Outside of season, especially in bad weather, be prepared to be on your own.

-It is one of the top 10 hikes in the world.

So -  now you have to appreciate the story above.....

West Coast Trail Map