While most Canadian women give birth in hospital, some live in remote locations and just can’t get there in time. Such was the case of Caitlin Vince of Hudson’s Hope in the western province of British Columbia.
A long and winding road
There is no birthing facility in her area and home births are not allowed. So on October 4th, Hope and her partner had to drive 90 kilometers along a remote, winding road so she could deliver in Fort St John. But halfway there, they realized the baby would not wait that long.
They stopped at a highway rest stop renowned for its scenic view of the Peace River valley. Tyler Olsen barely got Vince to lie down on the gravel when baby Augustus was born, still in the amniotic sac—a rare birthing situation considered by some to be lucky.
Pocket knife used to free newborn
Olsen was able to use his pocket knife to free the baby. During the delivery he had help from 911 operators, a friend who was with the couple, and two travellers who had stopped to admire the beautiful view.
Mom is delighted
Some 25 minutes later paramedics arrived and transported mother and baby to hospital where they were given a clean bill of health.
Vince was delighted her son was born in such a scenic place. “It’s just the most special, beautiful spot,” she said. “And he’s a fantastic baby. He only cries when he’s hungry.
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