As we entered 2023, 17 families welcomed their bundles of joy on New Year's Day.

It was a busy day in our labour department, with midwives delivering the first baby at 1.44am.

We spoke to parents who shared their experiences of having a New Year’s Day baby.

Eva Elena (pictured below) was the first baby born on New Year's Day, 41 hours after Florentina's water broke on Friday (30 December). Florentina and Lutescu Petre Dorinel spent New Year's Day in hospital, where they celebrated the birth of their daughter describing her as "the most beautiful surprise". 

Florentina added: "I thank my husband for staying with me and I also want to thank the midwife and nurse who were by my side and encouraged me."

Kayleigh Jessup and Reiss Harding welcomed daughter, Ivy-Rae Harding (pictured below) at 5.27am. Kayleigh spent New Year’s Eve in hospital, looking at fireworks with midwife Anne, as she awaited the arrival of her daughter. Ivy-Rae was due on Boxing Day but instead chose new year as her special day.

Kayleigh described the day as ‘unforgettable’ and since returning home with Ivy-Rae, her older siblings have been ‘very helpful’ and are ‘over the moon’ with their little sister.  

Shortly after, Elsie June Marshall (pictured below), who was initially due on 28 December, was born at 5.32am to proud parents Stacey Leiser and Michael Marshall. Stacey started contractions on New Year's Eve and was rushed to hospital just before midnight.

Speaking on her experience, Stacey said: “It was a surprise, we didn’t expect her to arrive on New Year’s Day. There was such a nice atmosphere on the ward, staff came round with cake, and I was well looked after.”

Speaking on her experience, Stacey said: “It was a surprise, we didn’t expect her to arrive on New Year’s Day. There was such a nice atmosphere on the ward, staff came round with cake, and I was well looked after.”

Baby Tucker (pictured below) arrived well ahead of his due date (11 January), surprising parents Hayley and Nicholas Tucker.

Hayley Tucker, a clinical coder at our Trust, was booked to be induced on 30 December and welcomed baby Tucker at 6.44am on New Year’s Day.

Nicholas, said: “It’s amazing, any day is special but for it to happen on a day like that is incredible. Our kids our crazily excited, they’ve been on a high for the last five weeks, knowing they’re going to have a little brother.”