Local families welcome last baby of 2015 and first babies of 2016
Patricia Guajardo expected to ring in the New Year with a bang, not a baby. However, her newest child had other plans. Right after midnight, the Salinas woman began having contractions. After going to the restroom, she realized the baby was coming out. Her partner, Larry Deadman jumped into action, helping to deliver their son. Mason Yang Larry Deadman III was born at a healthy 7 pounds, 3 ounces.
Paramedics brought the family to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, where both mother and son are resting comfortably.
Not all unplanned home births are as successful. In some situations, both the mother and baby could be at risk. SVMH has a Level III NICU to treat babies in the event of an emergency. It cared for more than 175 babies over the last year.
Down the hall, Corina Benitez is cradling her first child. Victoria Benitez-Barajas was the last baby born of 2015. The 8 pound, 6 ounce little girl was born at 8:20 p.m.
At Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz, Stella Olivia Summers was the first baby born in 2016. Dad Eric Summers say his firstborn child was nine days late, but came in at a healthy 8 pounds, 9 ounces.
At Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, the Sladwick family of Scotts Valley welcomed their second daughter, Charlie Jean at 8:50 a.m. Friday. The 7 pound, 6 ounce girl was originally due on Jan. 5.
NewsChannel 5 has reached out to other local hospitals to find out about their first babies born. We will continue to update this post when we learn more.
