Queenstown Woman Gives Birth Mid-Flight to Dunedin Hospital

A woman from Queenstown gave birth to her son, Charlie Probst, during a helicopter flight to Dunedin Hospital on January 1, 2024. The delivery took place shortly after the hospital helicopter transported her to the medical facility, where she experienced contractions in the early hours of the morning.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Probst stated, “There’s nothing quite like going into labour while you’re up in the air. You’re in a lot of pain and you just want the baby to pop out quickly.” Despite the unusual circumstances, she expressed gratitude for the care she received upon arrival.

Once at the Queen Mary Maternity Wing in Dunedin, Ms. Probst praised the hospital staff for their support. “They made it seem so easy. They were so thoughtful, and the baby is so healthy,” she said. Charlie was born at approximately 06:50, weighing 3.9 kg (8 lb 9 oz).

The birth came as a surprise for Ms. Probst, who noted that Charlie arrived a couple of days earlier than expected. “So I celebrated my New Year’s Eve in labour,” she remarked, reflecting on the unique timing of her son’s arrival.

This is Ms. Probst’s second child; she and her partner, Jonas Probst, already have a six-year-old son. She shared that her older son was “super excited” about welcoming a new brother, despite feeling “a little bit jealous I got to fly in a helicopter.” While Ms. Probst was transported by air, her partner and son drove to Dunedin Hospital to meet the new addition to their family.

“It’s been such an exciting day. One day I’ll have a story to tell Charlie about his birth,” she added, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the experience. As the family adjusts to their new arrival, Ms. Probst is grateful for the support and care they received during this memorable occasion.