RMH Welcomes New Year’s Baby on January 1st

RYAN YOUNG RMH

KAWARTHA LAKES: Ross Memorial Hospital’s Dr. Gargi Bhatia Family Birthing Centre delivered its first baby of 2026 at 8:47 p.m. on January 1st.

Little baby Theo was born to parents Jessie and Mathew, weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches long.

The timing of Theo’s arrival came as a surprise to the new parents. “We were not anticipating this as his due date wasn’t for a few more weeks,” explained Jessie. “We had friends over the night before and woke up to my water breaking at 4:45 a.m. I tried to go back to sleep, thinking I could wait it out, but I was having contractions, so we came to the hospital. I was in labour for just over 12 hours, pushed for 17 minutes, and then my little sweetheart arrived.”

Jessie, understandably, said she was nervous going into delivery for the first time. But both parents were happy with their experience.

“From the minute we walked in the door and were greeted, to the staff cleaning our room, everyone has been fantastic,” she said. “Our nurse stayed an extra two hours to see the birth through. It feels like we’ve been at home; it’s been very comforting.”

The couple is excited for Theo to meet his fur sister, Mia, a Sheppard-mix who is waiting for them at their farm in Cambry. Jessie’s mom is also over the moon about her first grandchildren. Mathew has something else he’s looking forward to in the future, as well.

“Help on the farm,” he joked.

Congratulations to Jessie, Mathew, Theo, and their entire family and loved ones!