IRELAND WELCOMED its first new arrival of 2021 just four seconds into the new year.
Brody McWilliams Brown was born at The National Maternity Hospital at four seconds past midnight.
She weighed in at 7lbs 10oz.
The proud mother Jennifer McWilliams and her new arrival are said to be doing well.
Incredibly, Jennifer had tested positive for Covid-19 on December 22.
Thankfully, she was well enough to alert the hospital prior to her arrival and allowing healthcare staff sufficient time to prepare for the safe delivery of Brody.
Jennifer told the Irish Sun: “Brody surprised us by coming early, it is a fantastic start to the New Year.
"We cannot believe that he is the first baby born in Ireland in 2021! I would like to thank all the staff at The National Maternity Hospital who have just been brilliant and have taken the best care of both Brody and I despite me having Covid-19.”
Ireland's second new arrival came less than half at hour later at 24 minutes past midnight.
The first baby born in Ireland in 2021 was at The National Maternity Hospital at four seconds past midnight. Brody McWilliams Brown, who weighed 7lbs 10oz at birth, was born to Mum, Jennifer McWilliams.
Both Mum and baby are doing well this morning. pic.twitter.com/jsFvGC740E— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) January 1, 2021
Kady McLaughlin was born healthy and well to parents Vanessa and Garry at Coombe Women & Infant’s University Hospital in Dublin.
Her parents are said to be delighted by her arrival so soon into the year while she also has a big sister, Ava, who born 19 months ago.
Coombe Women & Infant’s University Hospital shared news of the joyous earlier arrival on social media, describing it as “a wonderful start to the year.”
According to the Irish Mirror, Kady weighed in at 8Ib and 11oz.
Welcome to @CoombeHospital's first #NewYear2021 baby. Kady McLaughlin came into the world at 24 minutes past midnight to the delight of Vanessa and Garry, and her big sister Ava (19 months). Congratulations to you all. What a wonderful start to the year. @DMHospitalGroup @HSELive pic.twitter.com/EKzYtiN6Ot
— Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital (@CoombeHospital) January 1, 2021
The Meath couple are now looking forward to taking her home to start their new life together alongside Ava as a family of four.
Kady was the second baby to be born in Ireland in 2021 – but only just.
Another baby was born over at Rotunda at 31 minutes past midnight – seven minutes after Kady’s came into the world.
It comes as Ireland and other countries across the world prepare themselves for a busy year of new arrivals with many couples conceiving during the lockdowns that have impacted families across the world.
Unicef estimates a total of 371,504 babies will be born around the world on January 1 2021
