On the early morning of the first day of Tet, the Year of the Fire Horse (17/2), Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Director of Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, stated that approximately 30 expectant mothers were awaiting childbirth, with nearly 50% coming from other provinces. The hospital deployed over 300 staff, ensuring professional readiness for the safety of mothers and newborns.

Exactly at 0:00, a baby girl weighing 3,3 kg, born to Tran Thi Kim Yen, 31, from Quang Ngai, cried her first cry. This is the couple's third child, but it was the first time Vo Van Son, 34, was allowed into the delivery room, holding his wife's hand and staying by her side throughout labor.

The family knew the due date was late in the year but didn't expect the child to be born exactly at midnight. "I was surprised, emotional, and very happy, feeling that the birth of our child is even more special," Son said. The baby was brought out with rosy skin and a loud, clear cry. The couple plans to name their child Thao Nguyen, expressing their wish for their child to grow up peacefully, freely, and begin life with broad horizons.

Just one minute after midnight, at 0:01, Huynh Yen Nhi, 23, welcomed her son, weighing 2,9 kg. The baby was born three weeks earlier than expected. She had been admitted to the hospital four days prior, awaiting her first child with anticipation. When placed skin-to-skin, Nhi emotionally lifted her baby's head gently, pressing it to her chest. Her husband stood beside her, making a video call to the family. Through the screen, the maternal grandmother saw her newborn grandson, asking questions and waving continuously.

The couple plans to name their child Anh Tuan, expressing their wish for him to grow up healthy, handsome, and graceful.

At 0:26, a baby girl weighing 2,9 kg, born to Dang Kim Chi, 29, from Dong Thanh commune, Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City, was born via natural delivery. This was the most strenuous birth since the start of the new year's eve.

In the approximately 20 minutes prior, the team continuously encouraged, adjusted positions, and guided the mother to regulate her breathing and push with each contraction. Standing beside his wife, Le Thai Hoc held her hand tightly, wiping sweat from her forehead. After the efforts of both the mother and medical staff, the baby was brought out, overwhelming the couple with happiness.

The only cesarean section of the night was for a baby girl born to Tu Uyen, 31, performed directly by Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai. As a midwife who has worked at Tu Du Hospital for 9 years, Uyen has witnessed thousands of babies cry their first cries and be handed to their mothers' arms. On the early morning of 17/2 (the first day of Tet, Year of the Fire Horse), right at the hospital she is dedicated to, she was emotional hearing her own child's first cry.

The baby girl weighed 2,8 kg, with a small, rosy face, her hands gently opening and closing. This baby is the couple's second child. "This moment is a precious new year gift for me," she said.

Ngoc Ngan