Ashieka Ellie was the first mother to give birth on New Year’s Day.
- The Western Cape’s first baby for 2023 was born at Mitchells Plain Hospital in Cape Town.
- Leyden Ellie was born with abundant black hair and weighed 3.6 kg.
- Parents Ashieka and Keegan say they are delighted with their healthy baby.
There was a great deal of celebration at Mitchells Plain Hospital as Ashieka Ellie gave birth to the province’s first baby for 2023, a boy weighing 3.6kg.
The excited mother told News24 that she had a “slight suspicion” that her son Leyden would make his long-awaited appearance on New Year’s Day, as he had not arrived on his due date.
“I was due to give birth on December 28…a lot of my family members were a little disappointed and said it was going to be a New Year’s baby and that’s exactly what it was.” [happened]Ellie laughed.
The 23-year-old mother said her home has always been lively because her 2-year-old daughter kept her and her husband Keegan on their toes, but with Leyden, it feels even more alive.
“I didn’t know I was the first woman to give birth on New Year’s Day this year, so when I got the news it was a pleasant surprise. I definitely didn’t expect my son’s birth to be on the news because we’re just regular people. of the Cape Flats,” he said.
She couldn’t wait to bring her bundle of joy home so people could meet the “baby of the hour.”
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“My husband and I are so grateful that our son is healthy and there have been no major complications during the pregnancy. He has already brought so much happiness to our lives and we are blessed that he is finally here. It really is a great way to start “. the new year, definitely the best gift for us as parents,” Ellie said.
Leyden was the first baby boy to be born in the Western Cape in 2023.
News24 previously reported that the province welcomed 192 babies born at public health facilities on New Year’s Day.
Of the babies, 94 were boys and 98 girls. Two sets of twins were also born, one at New Somerset Hospital and the other at Tygerberg Hospital.
Provincial health department spokesman Callan Riddles congratulated the families on the safe arrival of their little bundles of joy and wished them many years of happiness and good health.
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“Make sure your baby is fully immunized and follow the advice of healthcare workers at your local clinic. Take time to play with your child and support them as they grow and develop.
“Remember to take care of yourself, too. The department offers a comprehensive package of child health services and we look forward to supporting all parents on this exciting journey.”
Ellie said that while she may lose sleep, it’s a trip she’s more than ready to take again.
“He’s already such a nice baby and for now we’re enjoying the fact that he’s still so small and can’t talk, because we know everything will change pretty quickly.”
