Meet Luis Antonio Garrido Sam III, the first baby born in imperial county on January 1, 2024
In a heartwarming start to the new year, the Imperial Valley embraced the arrival of the first baby of 2024. Baby Luis Antonio Garrido Sam III made his entrance into the world at 3:48 a.m. on January 1st, 2024, becoming the initial bundle of joy to grace Imperial County in the new year.
The proud parents, Priscilla Sam and Luis Antonio Garrido, both practicing attorneys from Mexico, embarked on this unexpected journey as their baby decided to arrive ahead of schedule. The unfolding events led to a decisive moment, and an emergency Cesarean section was performed at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley.
Priscilla, 31, shared her surprise and gratitude for the experience, saying, “We weren’t expecting it. We were like, ‘OK, he’s 39 weeks. Let’s do a checkup,’ and suddenly the contractions started.”
The couple, deeply in love since their law school days, expressed their joy despite the initial unpredictability. Luis Antonio, 32, reflected on the emotional rollercoaster, stating, “And seeing my wife being in pain; first, well, I felt bad about it, but it was worth it, seeing our baby here. And we’re really happy.”
Pioneers Memorial Hospital staff, faced with an increased demand following the closure of El Centro Regional Medical Center’s maternity department, provided exceptional care to the growing number of expectant mothers. Grace Gallardo, PMH clinical manager, highlighted the challenges but also the dedication of the obstetrics department, noting a 20 percent annual increase in deliveries.
Baby Luis, weighing a healthy 8 pounds and 7 ounces, not only brought immense joy to his parents but also received a generous collection of gifts from the hospital’s obstetrics department. A bassinet, a car seat, baby essentials, and more were part of the thoughtful donations, making the parents feel truly blessed.
Expressing gratitude, Priscilla acknowledged the support received during the emergency C-section. “The personnel was great. I let them guide me through it all. And they’re such great people, you know, those types of people that you just feel that nice energy, so that’s really nice when you’re dealing with a professional.”
The couple extended a special thank you to their OB nurse, Erin Walker, and OB/GYN Dr. Hamid Zadeh, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the birth of Baby Luis Antonio Garrido Sam III.
As Priscilla and Luis Antonio prepare to bring their newborn home, they cherish the smooth and professional experience at Pioneers Memorial Hospital, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love and gratitude.
Imperial County warmly welcomes Baby Luis, the herald of hope and joy for a promising 2024.
information sourced from The Desert Rreview and Calexico chronicle