By Naeisha Rose
Flushing Hospital Medical Center had a lot to celebrate as it welcomed the city’s first baby of the new year for the second straight time.
Two days before the new year, the hospital, which delivers more than 3,000 babies annually, admitted the pregnant Tania Shirin, 25, a Jamaica resident from Bangladesh.
Almost 36 hours later, Shirin had the first baby of 2018 in New York City, hospital spokesman Michael Hinck said.
Shirin was in labor for so long that doctors at Flushing Hospital considered giving the mom-to-be an emergency C-section, according to NY1.
The new mom was given flowers by the hospital and had a photo op.
“There was a press conference — a media gathering” Monday, the spokesman said.
In a photo from the hospital, Shirin can be seen holding her newborn girl, Kazi Ariana Shirin, who is wrapped in a shawl with “2018” on it. The baby is wearing a hat that says “Happy New Year.”
Imran Nazir, Kazi’s father, was overjoyed by the momentous occasion.
“It was a big celebration” Nazir said. “Nurses, doctors – they cooperated and we were so amazed. We felt very special.”
After consulting with older relatives over 10 different names, the couple landed on Kazi Ariana for their first child, NY1 reported.
Kazi’s dad, a cab driver, will be taking time off to help Shirin with the baby since the mother, who is new to the city, has no relatives in the country.
“She’s my princess,” Nazir said.
Kazi was delivered at 12:01 a.m., weighed 4 pounds, 11.5 ounces, and was 18 inches long, Hinck said.
Last year the hospital delivered Nathan Peralta at 12:08 a.m. on Jan. 1, according to the hospital.
The boy weighed 7 pounds, 11.5 ounces and was 19.5 inches long, said the hospital.
He was delivered after his mother, Carmen Peralta, came in for a checkup due to high blood pressure on Dec. 30, 2017.
Two days later Nathan was delivered.
Peralta was a first-time mom, according to the hospital.
Shirin was also a first-time mother, according to the hospital, and the original due date for Kazi Ariana was Jan. 10.
“Baby and Mom are both doing well,” Hinck said.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
