By Belize Live News Staff: Hattieville resident, Glenda Pop, delivered Belize’s first baby of 2025 at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. Baby Pop, a healthy baby boy weighing 6 pounds and 3 ounces, arrived a few days earlier than expected, making his grand entrance at 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
While Glenda was initially due on Friday, her little one clearly had other plans! She checked into the hospital on New Year’s Eve at 8:00 p.m. with contractions. Estella Flowers, Unit Manager of the Maternity Ward at KHMH, noted that this year was unique, with Glenda being the only expectant mother in the ward on New Year’s Eve.
“We were expecting more deliveries, as usual, but it turned out Miss Glenda Pop was our only patient,” said Flowers. “She was fully dilated right at midnight, and it was a smooth delivery thanks to our wonderful nursing staff.”
An overjoyed Glenda shared her excitement, stating, “I feel good, I feel proud. Right now, he joins the family with us, and I’m happy for it.” This will be her last child, she added.
Following a heartwarming tradition of corporate responsibility, Santiago Castillo Limited presented care packages to the firstborn babies across the country. These packages, filled with essential items for newborns, are distributed to hospitals throughout Belize.
“We celebrate not just the baby born at KHMH but also those born in other public hospitals,” explained Aisha Trapp, Marketing Manager. “We want to ensure every newborn begins the year with a special gift.”
Other newborns were welcomed across the country, including a baby boy born in San Ignacio just two minutes after midnight, and three babies (two girls and one boy) in Dangriga.
The arrival of these newborns brings joy and hope to families across Belize, marking a beautiful start to the new year.
