Palin says she felt safe flying to Alaska to have baby
Originally published Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 12:07 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
Gov. Sarah Palin’s decision to make the eight-hour flight from Dallas to Anchorage has some people wondering about the possible safety hazards of flying while in the late stages of pregnancy.
The governor, eight months into her pregnancy, noticed amniotic fluid Thursday morning prior to giving a keynote luncheon address at the Republican Governor’s Energy Conference in Texas. After wrapping up the speech, Palin and her husband consulted with her physician about possibly flying home on an earlier flight. After being granted permission from her doctor, she and her husband proceeded with the trek home.
At that point, Palin was only having minor contractions and was not showing signs of active labor, Sharon Leighow, the governor’s spokeswoman, said on Monday.
After the baby was born, Palin told her staff members that her experiences from four previous pregnancies made her comfortable with the signs of active labor. She felt that neither she nor her baby were in any danger, and so she flew home as scheduled.
Most airlines have specific policies concerning air travel during pregnancy, especially during the final months. For women traveling in the final month of pregnancy, a “permission-to-travel” letter is required by her primary physician. However, most restrictions rely on an honor policy that leaves the decision to notify the airline in the hands of the passenger.
The governor did not feel the need to inform the airline of her condition, Leighow said.
Alaska Airlines is one of the few airlines that does not have a policy regarding flight during pregnancy.
“We leave the decision to fly up to our customers and their medical advisers,” according to Alaska Airlines representative Caroline Boren.
Palin told her staff that she would not have boarded the plane had she thought she or her baby were in danger.
Had Palin needed medical assistance during the flight, ground agents and flight attendants for the airline are highly trained to look for signs of distress or other concerns with a passenger’s condition, Boren said.
“Governor Palin was extremely pleasant to flight attendants and her stage of pregnancy was not apparent by observation as she didn’t show any signs of distress,” Boren said.
Flight crew members are not specifically trained to assist in labor during a flight. But had Palin gone into active labor while en route to Anchorage, the crew would have been prepared to offer medical assistance through a system known as Med Link, a medical advisory service that allows crew members to radio for medical help during the flight.
The flight would not have needed to land, barring any emergency with the delivery.
No medical assistance was necessary for Palin during the flight.
Palin’s flight landed at 10:30 p.m. Thursday. She and her husband drove to the Mat-Su Valley Regional Medical Center, and she checked in with her doctor an hour later.
Trig Paxson Van Palin was born seven hours later.
The governor confirmed Monday that early testing showed that Trig was born with Down syndrome. The syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome.
Trig is the governor’s fifth child. She told her staff members that Trig was the easiest delivery of all her children.
Community Discussion
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Congratulations to the Palin family - your son is beautiful.
My best to new baby Palin.
The very best to you and your family on the arrival of Trig Paxon Van Palin from a homesick Alaskan in PA.
The very best to you and your family on the arrival of Trig Paxson Van Palin from a homesick Alaskan in PA.
Who cares that she flew when she was in labor. Last I looked it she was an adult and she can make up her own mind.
Many years ago one of my best buddies had that 21stChromosome thingy too..
Bobby was 6yrs older than me, but we still enjoyed riding our bicycles together around town.
Bobby had a sixth-sense about many things.
He was totally telepathic with animals..
..dogs that would normally chase&bite me when I was alone on my bike would happily run to go greet Bobby.
Birds and squirrels would come and play with us when we sat on the grass. And our trips to the zoo were always hilarious.
Bobby taught me many things beyond the normal paradigm of human thought.
We communicated mostly without words, but we both traveled through galaxies of experiences together.
Bobby always caught more fish than me..
..this always amazed me.
I think of Bobby often... whatta pal!
"Who cares that she flew when she was in labor"
Everyone else on the plane would have cared if the plane had to divert for an emergency landing.
This strikes me as an invented news story. How do you write the headline "...falls under scrutiny," and then write a story with no reference to anyone actually scrutinizing Palin's decision?
Yes, it's a decent human-interest story that our governor was experienced enough with childbirth to know it was safe to take a long flight home, and, very thankfully, all are healthy and well. But who exactly questioned her choice? It really sounds like you (dnm) are inventing controversy where little or none exists.
Congratulations and best wishes to the Palin family.
Give me a break. Is this news paper becoming an extension of the National Inquirer? Just leave the lady alone. This writer needs to turn off her soap operas and realize that life happens. I think it is admirable that our Governor wanted her baby to be born IN our state and not some other. Good for you Governor. It shows a dedication and desire for our wonderful state.
Thanks chinookfe,, sure would be nice to have a NEWS paper in Fairbanks...
Congratulations to the Palin family.
To the newsminer, there are plenty of real stories that you don't bother reporting on because they are not in line with the DNM political agenda.
congratulations to the Palin family on their newest arrival.
Wow, the Newsminer is trying to turn our governor into the Alaskan Paris...or Britney?
I am glad everything turned out well for the governor. That decision took a lot of guts.
Her son is beautiful!
Congrats on your new addition to the family Governor Palin. He's beautiful.
Congrats on the new Alaskan!
Daughter is an OB/GYN and advises all her "mothers to be" NOT to fly in the last trimester. If she was told this, may not have been the "smart" thing to do.
Congratulations, Governor Palin & family!!!!
As for this story.....she contacted her doctor and was told she could fly home. I know from personal experience that Alaska Air does not have any rules on flying when you're pregnant....I flew to Maryland (almost a 15 hour trip) when I was 35 weeks pregnant with the permission of my doctor. I had not had any complications during my pregnancy and my doctor did not see that it would be a problem. All of the flight attendants were wonderful on my flights.
Why doesn't everyone let her be and let her & her family enjoy the newest addition to their family?? This should be such a joyous time for them so please let it be.
Why wasn't this story titled "First Pictures of Baby Palin" or something like that?? Have a little more sensitivity!!!
The Palins are remarkable people but I believe the prospect of raising a Texan would be to much for even them.
Dallas Palin??
Thank God ya made back to Alaska, Sarah.
Flying at 8 months??
hum..4 children, 4 labors...
Give a mom some credit~
Congratulations to the Palin crew!!!
I grew up with my cousin (closest to my age of the 11) who had Downs. He was the most lovable, caring,and physically strongest person I ever knew. Words cannot begin to describe the impact he left on our family nor the way he touched our hearts. The way he saw things was simplistic, yet meaningful. Young children flocked to him, and in turn he was protective of them. He went to high school and graduated. He even took his girlfriend to prom. Trig will only be limited by those around him who limit HIM. If you've never had the luxury of being touched by a person with Down's..add it to your list of things to do, you won't be disappointed!
Trig will be a joy and a teacher to the Palin family.
Way to go Gov. Palin!
You are a wonderful role model!!!!
How does the DNM spell "hack?" The DNM should concentrate on shilling for BP and Conoco because you have been very successful at that lately. Nice "controversy." The DNM is turning into a small town editorial paper and it is a joke.
where's the 'suggest removal' button for this story?
Governor Palin is my hero! It's hard for me to put into words how much I admire her, especially her behavior during her pregnancy. I admire that she kept her pregnancy to herself until she was 7 months along; I admire that she continued to work hard for the people of Alaska until just hours before birth--and again, just hours afterwards; and I deeply, deeply admire her decision to bring precious baby Trig into the world. God bless you, Governor Palin, and God bless your beautiful family!!
I am ABSOLUTELY ELATED that we have a governor who flies the friendly skies like the rest of us!! She doesn't need to use a private or state jet. and I wouldn't mind if she flew first class. -----------------
Trig Palin has got ALASKAN tough in his genes. His father, Todd finished the 2000 mile Iron dog snow machine race with a broken arm and a bandaid. His mother, Governor Palin walks into the room and even the BIG BAD OIL boys jump to their feet.
So what if he was born in an airplane "AIRBORNE". We have a few other babies that were born on an airplane over Alaskan skies.
Trig was born on ALASKAN soil...not one of those transplanted Texans.
CONGRATULATIONS to the Palin's and WELCOME TRIG to the ALASKAN FAMILY.
Congratulations to the Palin's on your new addition and I love his name, "Trig"... You go girl...
where exactly does 'trig' come from?
i would like to no her reasoning for naming the baby that, its very original.
CONGRADULATIONS ON THE BIRTH OF TRIG PAXSON VAN PALIN IN THE GREAT STATE OF ALASKA TO A GREAT FAMILY. YES, MANY OF US HAVE FLOWN IN THE LATE STAGES OF OUR PREGNANCY, ESPECIALLY IN ALASKA, MANY TIMES THE ONLY WAY TO GET THERE!! MAYBE ALASKA AIRLINES RECOGNIZES THIS. GOV-YOU ARE ONE TOUGH LADY. DON'T FORGET TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF AND YOU ALL ENJOY THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE FAMILY. PLEASE DON'T TAKE ON ANY "JOBS" THAT WOULD TAKE YOU AWAY FROM GOVERNING OUR STATE, WE NEED YOU STILL!! THE BIG "O"'S ARE WAITING TO POUNCE ON ANY ONE WEAKER THAN YOU. FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWSMINER - PLEASE TRY AND REPORT ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THINGS!!!
The News-Miner needs to understand that bashing our governor is not wise.
Congrats Sarah... let me be the first to appologize for the IGNORANCE of some..NOT ALL Alaskan's. To take the wonderful event of bringing a child into the world and have it turned into a drama about if you should have flown in labor or not is a shame! You are a very intelegent lady and a wonderful mother, DONT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT MOTHERLY INSTINCTS? Sarah would never do anything to harm her unborn besides whats wrong with her wanting her child born here in her state with the doctors who are aware of the situation. Im sure Trig will be a joy in your life.I have a niece Kate who was born with Down's and has a completely normal life and to those of you who been touched with someone with Down's know first hand, they normal beyond wonderful people. I just love my niece and she is great to be around, she will keep you smiling just like Trig will the Palin family. CONGRATS AND ENJOY THAT BABY BOY, HE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!
all's well that ends well "they" say..but what if Sarah had dropped the baby quicker than her experience "told" her and she had had complications in transit,,,would everyone then be saying what a great idea it was to fly back to AK in Labor?
Congratualtions to the Palin Family.
I find it quite interesting that so many of us are quick to judge Governor Pain, for the decisions she has made. Afterall, she's married, and this is her husbands child. Who are we to ask questions? I am sure that many women like the Governor herself, have had to, or will have to make this decision at one time or another.
Yet we find it to be normal, and or acceptable for someone to pilot a vehicle while under the influence. Having children by vaious partners also seems to be acceptable. I believe we all need to step back, and reevaluate our own priorities, and allow Governor Palin and her family to evaluate theres as they see fit.
What a sweet baby. Congratulations.
Tired of the Sarah Palin love-fest?
I am.
Me too.
Gentlemen, it is usually considered polite to wish everyone well when they add to their family in any way. This is true whether you like them or not. I am sure your Moms raised you that way. Have fun with the snark you love so much later. =) It's a wee baby, lighten up!
I'm a lady. This has been going on for four days now and I'm pretty sure even I'd be sick of the attention from strangers by now. I mean, it's not like it's an election year.
Do you know what I learned from my mom? Not to be fake.
Politeness doesn't equal fake in my world. I am sorry it does in yours Ma'am.
Goodnight NewsMiner, I'm done for the evening.
It would be a different matter entirely if I knew the Palins or considered them friends. They are neither acquaintances nor friends, so it would be rather insincere of me to hop on the congratulations bandwagon.
Please note this important distinction: I have not criticized Palin (for giving birth). You could probably make the case that I'm criticizing DNM commenters for their effusiveness.
Distant Thunder,
Thank you, that was the kindest thing that anyone has written so far, and it speaks highly of you.
R. L. Hansen
If you don't like it, don't read it. Why should it be wrong for people to post something POSITIVE once in a while on these comments.
Personally, I'm TIRED of your constant bickering. It's like a kindergarten playground around here most days. Nice to see a change.
Okay what I meant on the "Who Cares" remark was basically why make a deal about it in the paper. Yes I totally understand the chance of having a flight diverted and that would be a big deal.
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