Three special Christmas deliveries for Manawatu¯ families
Smiling down on their newborn daughter, Chantal Solomon and Brad Cross knew their first baby was the best Christmas present they could get.
The 21-year-olds were the first couple to welcome their baby into the world on Christmas Day at Palmerston North Hospital, at 1.57am.
Their daughter was one of three born by Christmas lunchtime at the hospital.
But she’s not a lockdown baby, the couple said. She was conceived 10 days before alert level 4 on March 25.
Thirteen days overdue, Solomon had been induced for labour and was prepared for a natural birth, but when nurses discovered her baby’s heartbeat was racing, panic started to set in.
With the baby experiencing foetal distress, the call was made for her to be delivered by a caesarean. ‘‘It was scary. I was planning on having that natural birth. When that didn’t happen, it kind of daunted me,’’ Solomon said.
‘‘That was a really big shock that you can be fine throughout your pregnancy and within an hour, you’re having a C-section. I’ve always thought about that feeling, as soon as you give birth the baby comes straight up on top of you.’’
Anxious and scared for her baby, Solomon underwent the C-section with Cross by her side. Once she heard the first cry everything else slipped away.
‘‘It was such a different experience. It makes it feel more real her being on the earth. I haven’t had much sleep. I’ve just been staring at her.’’
Weighing 9.1 pounds (4.1 kilograms), her parents were yet to find the perfect name for her. They’ve had ideas, but nothing felt right. Her middle names will be Irene Cherie, after their mother’s side, Solomon said. ‘‘My mum was there when I came out of theatre. It’s also her birthday today.’’
Cross’ mother died four days before he found out Solomon was pregnant, but he hoped his daughter would know her through the stories he’ll share with her as she grows into a young woman.
They’re not sure how they’ll work Christmas and a birthday in the coming years to help their baby girl feel special, but with the help of Solomon’s mother they’ll come up with something.