Bendigo Health's midwives have had a busy start to 2020, welcoming several babies into the world on the first day of the year.
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Among the new arrivals are little Francesko Serona, Kelly Guo and Marlie Rose Hicks, who were all born within 37 minutes of each other yesterday morning.
Francesko was the first New Year's Day baby to make an appearance, being born at 7.36am.
He is the first child for parents Franc and Karen Serona, of Kangaroo Flat.
Francesko was due on December 30 but only signalled his imminent arrival on New Year's Eve, with Karen going into labour last night.
But he waited until the dawn of a new year and a new decade before making his appearance.
"It's wonderful," Franc said.
"It's a blessing, having a baby on the first day of the year.
"We didn't expect it. We're just very, very happy."
More from the Addy: New Year's news: A snapshot of the decade
Francesko's name carries on a tradition in his father's family, where the men have names beginning with 'Fran'.
Second to arrive yesterday morning was Kelly Guo, a third child for parents Chendan Xing and Jay Guo.
She came into the world just one day after her due date, at 7.54am.
Kelly is a little sister for her brother Ryan, 7, and four-year-old sister Ashleigh.
Baby Marlie was the last of the trio to be born, but she arrived a little earlier than expected for parents Tegan Cooper and Paul Hicks.
Her arrival at 8.13am yesterday made Alexis, 7, a big sister.
A fourth baby was born later on New Year's Day, and as of 1.30pm, staff were expecting another one or two to arrive.
Midwife Helen Fitt said the arrivals of three babies so close together put some pressure on the team on Wednesday.
But the women giving birth were well-supported, she said, with midwives from the night shift staying back and those from the women's ward coming across to help.
Ms Fitt said it was a little hectic, but the staff loved their jobs and were happy to lend a hand.
On average about four babies are born at Bendigo Health each day, making this New Year's Day a slightly busier day in the hospital's birthing suites.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
