02/01/2026
Just after midnight on New Year’s Day, baby Eli was born at Mercy Hospital for Women — becoming Melbourne’s first baby of 2026.
Eli’s arrival followed a long labour and was supported by a dedicated New Year’s Eve team, including three of our doctors who were on shift overnight, alongside Monica, a midwife who has cared for families at Mercy Hospital for Women for 30 years. Together, they supported Dana through the birth and into those first precious moments of 2026.
Moments like this reflect the teamwork, experience and commitment of our clinicians, who show up every day — including holidays — to provide compassionate care when it matters most.
Congratulations to Dana and Alex, and thank you to the team who welcomed 2026 in the best possible way.