The Dominican Republic ushered in 2026 with profound symbolism as multiple maternity hospitals across the nation reported their first newborns just after midnight. These inaugural births, representing hope and renewal for Dominican families, were celebrated as national milestones marking a fresh beginning.
At the stroke of midnight, San Lorenzo de Los Mina Maternity and Children’s Hospital witnessed the country’s first birth—a baby boy delivered via cesarean section weighing 5.9 pounds. The newborn, delivered to 19-year-old Marianny Encarnación from Samaná, arrived under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team with both mother and child reported in stable condition.
Hospital director Armando Camejo emphasized the profound significance of these symbolic births, noting that each new arrival embodies optimism and continuity for the nation’s families. The institution further solidified its status as a national reference point by also delivering the first baby of 2025, creating a meaningful tradition around New Year’s deliveries.
Other major maternity centers simultaneously marked their own inaugural births for 2026. Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia University Maternity Hospital welcomed healthy baby girl Yaidelyn via cesarean procedure at 6:49 a.m., the infant weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. Concurrently, Dr. Reynaldo Almánzar Maternity Hospital recorded the arrival of Samara de los Santos Hernández, an 8-pound newborn delivered by cesarean section in perfect health, adding to the nationwide celebrations of new life and hopeful beginnings.