The baby girl believed to be WA’s first born for 2024, made a surprise early entry into the world just seven minutes after the clock struck midnight on January 1.
Amber Liu entered the world at St John of God Murdoch about a week ahead of her due date, weighing a healthy 2.9kg and sporting a full head of hair.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health confirmed she was one of the first born — if not the first — in WA on January 1.
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READ NOWMum Menghan Liu told PerthNow she and her partner Zhengchao Wang had been planning a quiet night in to mark the new year but instead found themselves rushing to the hospital when her waters broke.
“(We didn’t plan to do) anything special because I was so close to my due date,” she said.
“That’s why we just stayed at home, not doing much because the baby could come any time.”
With her dark head of hair and rosy cheeks, Ms Liu said the name choice for Amber was an easy one.
“It’s quite an energetic name,” she said.
“I want her to be happy and energetic.”
St John of God Murdoch Hospital chief executive Ben Irish congratulated the parents on the safe arrival of the baby.
“What a way to start the New Year for Menghan and Zhengchao,” he said.
The first baby born at a public hospital in 2024 entered the world at Rockingham General Hospital at 12.48am.