Twin brothers Jihan and Jisan Ahmed Malik surprised parents Jubayer and Asma when they arrived just after 1.30pm on Christmas Day – as they were not due for another month.
The couple, who live in Romford, came to Queen’s Hospital for a scan on Christmas morning when Asma, 33, experienced some pain. She then went into labour while in our Maternity department.
Jubayer, 38, said: “It was a real surprise when they were born as we thought we had a month to go.
“It was very festive on the ward and special for the twins to be born on Christmas Day. Everyone is happy. We have two daughters aged six and two who are really excited to be big sisters and meet their baby brothers.”
Baby Teddy Robertson was the first arrival on Christmas Day, arriving just after 5.20am. Mum Tracy’s waters had broken on 23 December, the same day she was due to be induced.
Teddy is the first baby for Tracey and husband Andrew, who live in Brentwood.
Tracy said: “I’m glad he came naturally when he wanted in the end as I felt a bit guilty he was born on Christmas Day and not having his own special birthday. We’ve had lots of advice on making another day just for him.
“We’ve not opened presents or had Christmas dinner, but we’ve got the best present anyway. I know I’m biased but he’s very handsome.”
Andrew added: “As he was the first Christmas baby all the staff came to see him, and gave him a blanket.
“It was really special to have him that day and our midwives were amazing, they couldn’t have done any more for us. We really appreciate the efforts of all the staff.”
Oliver was another little one making an early arrival – he was born at 2.32pm on Christmas Day, well ahead of his due date of 7 January.
Mum Carly Dean, who lives in Hornchurch with partner Michael Honour and daughter Rosie, two, was due to have a c-section on 4 January – before her waters broke on 23 December.
She said: “I was out Christmas shopping all day and they went around 7.30pm. I went to Queen’s and was sent home, then went back around the same time on Christmas Eve.
“My major contractions started in the early hours of Christmas morning and then it went very quickly. It was surreal that he came on Christmas Day, I didn’t expect it at all. Luckily I had my hospital bag prepared.”
The hardest thing for Carly, 36, was being away from Rosie on Christmas Day – although Rosie enjoyed Christmas surrounded by her cousins.
Carly added: “I really wanted to get home to her and she was excited to meet her brother. She’s besotted with him.
“The staff were so nice and lovely, doing everything they could to help me, especially after I had a difficult night with Oliver. We’ve not done Christmas yet, the presents are still under the tree, but I’m really glad to be home.”
Having lost a lot of blood following the birth, as she did during her first labour with Rosie, which helped her feel more prepared, Carly is relying on the support of her large family to help her recover.
Jihan and Jisan, Teddy and Oliver were among 15 babies born on our Labour ward this Christmas Day.
