Mega Doctor News
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.
