Valencia Family Give Birth to Porterville's First Baby of 2019

It was a cold January morning, but inside the Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC) fourth floor a proud father held his newborn baby as the tired mother rested comfortably.

Porterville’s first 2019 newborn baby, Adriel Valencia, was cheered by many after his arrival into the world.

Baby Adriel was born at a healthy weight of seven pounds, three ounces, and he and his mom continued to rest comfortably at the hospital.

Baby Adriel was born to mother Narely and father Miguel Valencia. Adriel is the couple’s first child, and both were very happy to finally be holding their newborn on after nine months of pregnancy.

“It’s our first baby and we are extremely happy,” said mother Narely as she stared at her husband caring for the baby. “All the pain was worth it.”

Porterville’s first new born of the year had an extensive labor, however -- mother Narely said her labor process lasted more than 24 hours.

“She was here since New Year’s Eve at 11 a.m.,” said the father. “She didn’t give birth until 9:05 a.m. the next day.”

Meanwhile, at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, the first baby of 2019 was born at 12:09 a.m. Tuesday.

“We didn’t even think about him being the first New Year’s baby,” said the couple laughing. “We are just thankful he arrived into the world in excellent health.”

The Valencia family was getting visits from all of their family members all morning long to welcome baby Adriel to the family.

SVMC staff who helped during labor were the labor nurse Aurora Astorga, RN, and baby receiver Flor Avila, RN. The doctor was Lisa Garber, midwife, and the respiratory therapist Tyson Harness.

SVMC presented the couple a New Year’s Baby Gift, which included a baby gift picture frame, a giraffe stuffed animal, A & D Original Ointment for Diaper Rash & Skin Protectant, baby deluxe nursery kit, travel diaper kit, baby in-sight mirror for reflection, and three long sleeved onesies, an approximate value of $100.

The Valencias are scheduled to leave SVMC later on the week to bring baby Adriel home.