ABU DHABI // Sarah Akhter was thrilled to become a mother for the first time after giving birth on the morning of Eid Al Adha, even if it meant being away from her family and the holiday festivities at home.
The 29-year-old fashion designer was one of 23 mothers who delivered babies at Corniche Hospital between the early hours of the morning and around 3pm on Thursday.
“I feel it is a Eidiya (Eid gift) from Allah,” said the Pakistani. “I was very excited when he was in my hands.”
She named her son Mohammed Irfan.
“It is an Islamic name and one of the names of our Prophet.”
Mrs Akhter’s labour started at 7pm and she delivered her son a 2.20am. She said she had been living in the UAE for nine months and preferred to deliver in the capital rather than flying home to be with family and friends.
Her husband, Hafiz Mohammed, 29, has been working in the UAE as an IT engineer at the Paris-Sorbonne University.
“We planned to have it here from the beginning, even though we are alone, husband and wife,” he said. “We were expecting the birth before Eid prayers.
“We were really happy with the services provided to us at Corniche Hospital,” Mrs Akhter said.
The first baby to be born at Corniche Hospital during Eid was Mahara Saeed Al Mazrouei.
Her mother cried tears of joy when she held her, but said she was too exhausted to speak.
Not long after, Hamad Al Yaquibi came into the world. Wrapped in a white blanket, the boy was given to his father who at first was reticent to hold the newborn.
But his trepidation soon gave way to smiles as he looked at his son for the first time.
“We feel pleased to be a part of the happiness of so many families on this sacred day of Eid Al Ahda. It gives an immense pleasure to look at happy faces and help our patients in whatever ways we can,” said Linda Anne Clark, Corniche Hospital chief executive.
“We are committed to providing compassionate, family-centred, exceptional health care to the women and newborns. We strive to deliver the best personal support that a family needs during this wonderful time”.
hdajani@thenational.ae