SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM CELEBRATES BIRTH OF THANKSGIVING BABIES AT SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM MCALLEN
Little Damian arrived on Thanksgiving Day at 3:19 a.m. at STHS McAllen, one of 3 babies delivered at the facility in the morning of the holiday
Thanksgiving is a day to express gratitude, celebrate life’s blessings and spend quality time with family and friends.
But the de la Portilla Family has a special blessing to be grateful for this holiday... the arrival of a new bundle of joy.
While about 3.6 million babies are born in the United States each year, not many of them are born on holidays like Thanksgiving because hospitals schedule fewer C-sections and inductions during that time period.
In fact, six of the rarest birthdays are in November, including the 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th, per Parents.com, because Thanksgiving typically falls on one of those days.
So, the de la Portilla Family has extra reason to celebrate after Baby Damian was delivered at 3:19 a.m. on Thursday, November 28 at the Maternity Center at South Texas Health System McAllen. Originally due on December 5th, Little Damian didn’t want to miss the Thanksgiving celebrations.
“I went to an appointment with my doctor in Weslaco and she immediately sent me to STHS McAllen, saying it was time for me to deliver,” recalls proud mom Jessica Galvan, who arrived at the hospital in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 27. “After 12 hours in labor, I’m very happy to have my child in my arms!”
Weighing in at 8 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, Little Damian isn’t only the newest addition to the de la Portilla Family, he’s also their first son. He joins three older sisters, including an 8-year-old sibling who was also born on Thanksgiving Day.
“We’ve had a little Thanksgiving luck,” says Jessica. “I feel extra blessed to have two babies born on such a special holiday!”
Little Damian was one of three babies delivered on Thanksgiving morning at STHS McAllen.
While most Americans are enjoying the day off from work, STHS McAllen staff members are grateful to be part of the beautiful Thanksgiving memories for families like Little Damian’s.
“It’s been an honor to helping bring Little Damian and the other adorable babies into the world this morning, with another expectant mom ready to deliver any minute,” says Dalila Quintanilla, RN, STHS McAllen. “Looking after them and their families on this holiday is a special privilege. Recognizing the preciousness of new life, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of their first Thanksgiving with their new additions.”
The staff at The Maternity Center at STHS McAllen have gone the extra mile to make the day extra special for Little Damian, the other babies born on Thanksgiving Day and their families with special holiday-themed gifts, including a Baby’s First Thanksgiving onesie.
Emphasizing its dedication to providing quality, compassionate care at its maternity centers at STHS Edinburg and STHS McAllen, South Texas Health System was named a 2023 Five-Star Recipient for C-Section Delivery, Hysterectomy and Gynecology Procedures. The awards serve as a reflection of the system’s commitment to consistently delivering high-quality women’s healthcare services and placing the organization in the upper echelon of hospitals for OB/GYN care nationwide.
For more information on the women’s services at STHS, including the system’s labor and delivery programs, visit www.southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com or www.southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
