It was a busy New Year’s Eve for the maternity team at Mercy Hospital for Women, with nine babies born across the night and several families hoping to welcome the first baby of the year.
Just after midnight, baby Eli arrived — officially becoming one of the first babies born in Australia in 2026.
Born at 12:05am following a long labour, Eli weighed 4.67 kilograms and measured 57 centimetres, a strong and healthy start to the year for his family.
For parents Dana and Alex, the moment was both a relief and a celebration.
Mum Dana said she was relieved and overjoyed to finally meet her son, noting he “made it his little mission to just tick over to 12.05.” Eli also made his world and media debut, appearing on Nine News and in the Herald Sun.
“It feels surreal,” Dana shared. “He was due 10 days ago, so I can’t believe he’s a 2026 baby.”
Eli’s arrival was supported by a dedicated overnight team, including Dr Maxi Worboys, Dr Sophie Nunn and Dr Katie Smith, who were working New Year’s Eve alongside midwife Monica, who has cared for families at Mercy Health for 30 years. Together, they supported Dana through her labour and into those first moments of the new year.
As one of the doctors reflected, the birth was “a team effort” and a privilege to be part of.
With Eli’s arrival marking the start of a new year, it was a memorable moment for both his family and the team who welcomed him — a reminder of the care, experience and teamwork that underpins every birth at Mercy Hospital for Women.
