UHNM midwife gives birth to New Year baby

A midwife from University Hospitals of North Midlands celebrated the New Year by giving birth to the first baby of 2023 at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Yasmin Raeis, a midwife on ward 206 was 12 days overdue when she was admitted to the labour ward to start the induction process on 30 December. After 24 hours, progress wasn’t happening as it should and a C-section was advised as the safest option for delivery.

On New Year’s Day at 12:23am Yasmin and her partner Tolis Koutronas welcomed their first baby, a girl, Nefeli Koutronas, weighing 8lb 7oz.

Yasmin, 30, said: “We are so happy with the care we received during our stay at the hospital. Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and the team work was just fantastic. It can be a worrying time, not knowing what to expect but even the little things, like holding my hand or telling me everything is going to be ok just made the world of difference.

“It was a very different experience being on the other side of care, when I had my C-section I was taken to ward 206 which is where I would usually be working. I can honestly say that it was exceptional, I was really looked after.”

Nefeli is now home and the family are enjoying spending time in their newborn bubble. Yasmin added: “Nefeli is brilliant, we can’t stop staring at her, and she already looks so different. We can’t believe she was the first baby to be born in 2023! We are tired but it’s all worth it.”

Lucy Boot, Digital Midwife at UHNM, said: “It was a lovely surprise to see that Yas and her partner had the first baby of 2023 at UHNM! Congratulations and enjoy every moment of this special time. The maternity unit has been extremely busy over Christmas and New Year and we thank each and every member of the team for providing the best care throughout the festive period.”