For Russell Island parents Kristy and Zachary Lohrisch, the birth of their ‘miracle’ baby boy was always going to be a day to cherish.
And the occasion was made extra special as their baby was the 12,000th Mater Mothers’ newborn of 2022 – and arrived just in time for Christmas.
Mrs Lohrisch’s ‘much-wanted’ baby was born in the early hours of Monday (19 December) at Mater Private Hospital Redland, weighing 3.6kg.
The 36-year-old first-time mum initially thought her early contractions were caused by eating a “bad pizza” and asked her husband to drive her to hospital – almost 40 minutes and a ferry ride away – where baby Ezra was born just hours later.
The Lohrischs are smitten with their new bundle of joy, who had been due to arrive on Christmas Day, and said Ezra was the perfect Christmas gift.
“It was quite a trek to get to hospital and it was an interesting labour,” Mrs Lohrisch said.
“Ezra is our little miracle baby and we can’t wait to take him home just in time for Christmas – it’s going to be really special.
“He’s the most placid little boy I have ever come across. Being Ezra’s mum is the best feeling in the world.”
Mater Mothers’ hospitals welcome thousands of little Queenslanders into the world every year at South Brisbane, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Mater Mothers’ Hospitals Director of Clinical Services Maree Reynolds said it was a privilege for Mater Mothers’ staff to share thousands of beautiful newborn moments with families across Queensland every year.
“As Australia’s largest maternity service provider, we are proud to welcome more than 30 babies into our care each day and one in five Queensland babies are born at a Mater Mothers’ hospital,” Ms Reynolds said.
Ms Reynolds applauded the dedicated teams at Mater Mothers’ hospitals across the state.
“Mater’s teams work around the clock and show extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism to our patients,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Our staff have a desire to make a difference to people’s lives. They are the heart and soul of our hospitals.”
Mater Private Hospital Redland Director of Clinical Services Chris Junge said Ezra’s birth would a treasured memory for the Lohrisch family.
“This year will be an extra special Christmas for the Lohrisch family, definitely one to remember,” Mr Junge said.
“What a special time of year to welcome their little bundle of joy.”
The couple chose the name Ezra, which means protector, after finding out they were expecting a baby boy early into Mrs Lohrisch’s pregnancy.
