Baby Maya’s surprise arrival on Chinese New Year
Tuesday 1 February 2022
A newborn baby girl has given her parents a Chinese New Year gift they will never forget.
Brisbane parents Xuyen Lim and Matthew McDonald welcomed their daughter Maya Mae-Yue McDonald at 9.10am on Tuesday 1 February, a significant date on the Chinese calendar.
Due on Valentine’s Day, little Maya arrived two weeks early and was born at Brisbane’s Mater Mothers’ Hospital weighing 2.8kg.
Mrs Lim, of Chinese-Malaysian heritage, said her first child’s middle name was “very auspicious” because she was born in the Year of the Tiger.
“I read that a baby born in the Year of the Tiger is fierce, strong and independent, will live a life full of activities and is an eventual victor,” she said.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.
Mrs Lim, who is a pharmacist, said her family were excited to hear of baby Maya’s safe arrival.
“My family is back in Malaysia and I’m hoping my mum will be able to visit in one to two months’ time,” she said.
Mr McDonald said Chinese New Year traditions would be even more special following the birth of his daughter.
“Xuyen’s family celebrates Chinese New Year and there’s a lot of energy and happiness around that, now it’s just got a whole lot bigger,” he said.
Mater Mothers' hospitals is one of Australia's largest and most experienced maternity service providers, delivering more than 12 000 babies every year.