Celebrating Baby #1500: Welcoming Baby Emy
Have you met Emy’s mom & dad? If not, check out Part 1 of “Celebrating Baby #1500” here.
It was 11:55 a.m. when Florinecia gave birth to Emy Jemima Zoé. Emy was a normal little girl, weighing 5.6 lbs and measuring 18 inches from her head to her toes. Normal, except for one detail: Emy is the 1500th baby to be delivered at the Heartline Maternity Center.
“This number is significant for several reasons,” explains Frédelyne, the Maternity Center’s Clinic Administrator. “In 2022, gangs invaded the neighborhood where we operate. We had to close our doors for two weeks before finding a suitable place to welcome pregnant women and new mothers. We worked every day in fear…today, welcoming our 1500th baby is one of our greatest achievements. We have no words to express our joy.”
When Friday’s team saw Emy’s mother, Florinecia, arrive with the first contractions, excitement soared. “We’ve been waiting nine months for this moment. We’re going to take care of you. We’re going to help you bring your baby into the world with all the love that entails, and when she’s born, we’re going to celebrate!”
Baby Emy, looking a little confused. Photo by the author.
“Our little girl is doing wonderfully well,” said Florinecia. “It was a dream birth,” she smiled, “and I couldn’t be happier to be the mom of this little wonder who is your 1500th baby.”
Florinecia’s older sister, who accompanied her, said “We arrived last night, waited several hours before she was ready to give birth, and then it felt like my niece was out in less than 10 minutes. It was the most beautiful and stressful event I’ve ever experienced in my life.” (Théodore, Florinecia’s husband, was away on business but looks forward to returning as soon as he can.)
A happy mom and her daughter. Photo by the author.
Two hours later, the little one was already breastfeeding to regain her strength. The Maternity Center team had not yet finished celebrating the birth of the 1500th baby when just two days later, the 1501st was born. Emy’s little moment of glory had passed, but the triumph she symbolizes will live with the Maternity Center team for years to come.
$15,000 for #1500
There’s a huge opportunity for Heartline coinciding with this special occasion. We’ve secured a partnership with One Day’s Wages to celebrate Baby #1500 – so for every dollar you give to Heartline through their campaign, One Day’s Wages will MATCH it, up to $15,000! It’s a chance to make a monumental difference for young families like Florinecia, Théodore, and Emy.
Send a message of congratulations!
You can get in touch with Florinecia & Théodore to send a message of congratulations! Just click below to share your well wishes. We’ll translate your message to Haitian Creole and share with the new parents!
About the Author
Aljany Narcius
Haitian journalist Aljany Narcius is currently pursuing a Master 2 in Media Management, online from France’s University of Lille. With ten years of experience in the fields of journalism and communication, Aljany is a linguist who uses the Creole language as her weapon in the fight against social inequalities, exploitation, and all kinds of violence.
