Key Takeaways
- Mirrah Miriam Manu was born at 12:24am on Christmas Day at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, Belfast, weighing 6lb 3oz.
- Mirrah’s birth was slightly ahead of schedule, with her expected due date being December 29.
- The baby’s name, Mirrah, is linked to the special day of her birth and is inspired by the Indian dialect of her parents, Jesna and Manu.
- Mirrah is the second child for Jesna, a care assistant and nursing student, who also has a daughter born in India before moving to Northern Ireland.
- The Ulster Hospital’s maternity team, headed by ward sister Tracy McAllister, delivered Mirrah and provided supportive care to her parents.
Introduction to Mirrah’s Birth
Mirrah Miriam Manu arrived into the world at 12:24am at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald on the outskirts of Belfast. Weighing in at 6lb 3oz, baby Mirrah made her first appearance slightly ahead of schedule for mum Jesna Antony and partner Manu Matthew. According to Jesna, she was expected to give birth on December 29, but she experienced pain and contractions, which led to a C-section. Jesna expressed her gratitude to the hospital staff, stating that they were "very nice, very confident, and very supportive" throughout the delivery process.
The Significance of Mirrah’s Name
Mirrah’s name is deeply rooted in her parents’ native Indian dialect. According to Jesna, the name Mirrah is linked to the special day of her birth, Christmas Day. In their language, when Jesus was born, three kings came and brought three gifts, one of which was Mirrah. Jesna explained that once they knew their baby was going to be born in December, it was a gift, and she wished for her daughter to have this name. The name Mirrah holds significant cultural and religious significance, making it a fitting choice for a baby born on Christmas Day.
The Delivery and Aftercare
The maternity team at the Ulster Hospital, headed by ward sister Tracy McAllister, delivered Mirrah and provided supportive care to her parents. Jesna praised the team, stating that they were confident and supportive throughout the delivery process. Baby Mirrah was given a specially made blanket to mark the occasion, bearing the words "I’m a Xmas no.1…South Eastern Trust first Xmas baby 2025," along with a festive hat and cardigan. The hospital staff’s care and attention to detail made the experience special for Jesna and her family.
Other Christmas Babies
Mirrah was not the only baby born on Christmas Day in Belfast. At the Royal Victoria Hospital, parents Margaret Watiri and Chris McKenna welcomed a baby girl, who was delivered at 3:36am, weighing 8lb 11oz. The baby was given a "My first Christmas" outfit, and her grandmothers, Esther McKenna and Josephine Goedert, were present to celebrate the couple’s early Christmas present. Additionally, mum Chloe Coggles gave birth to a baby boy at the same hospital, weighing 7lb 6oz, at 9:57am. These Christmas babies brought joy and celebration to their families, making the holiday season even more special.
Conclusion
Mirrah Miriam Manu’s birth on Christmas Day was a special occasion for her parents, Jesna and Manu. The significance of her name, the supportive care provided by the hospital staff, and the festive atmosphere made the experience unforgettable. As the first Christmas baby of 2025 in the South Eastern Trust, Mirrah’s birth was a gift to her family, and her name will always remind them of the special day she was born. The story of Mirrah’s birth, along with the other Christmas babies, highlights the joy and celebration that comes with welcoming new life during the holiday season.
