Shanna Augusta, a 26-year-old from Balata, Castries, proudly gave birth to her first child and the only baby born at the OKEU Hospital on New Year’s Day – a healthy boy named Kensley Saire Alexander. Kensley arrived at 7:25 AM, weighing 6.27 pounds.
“It’s a blessing,” said a camera-shy Augusta, reflecting on the birth of her son. “Overall, I am thankful. I prayed for a healthy baby, and I asked God to give me a painless labour—and that’s exactly what I got. Right now, I’m just thanking God because I prayed for this. I’m excited and full of mixed emotions, but most of all, I’m grateful he’s doing okay.”
Originally from Soufrière, Shanna has been living in Balata, where she has received an outpouring of love and support from both her immediate and extended family. “The baby’s father was in the room with me, assisting throughout. I also have a lot of support from my family; everyone was waiting for this moment. The love is overwhelming. One family member has already called to babysit tomorrow!” she shared.
In addition to family support, Shanna also expressed gratitude for the encouragement from her workplace. “My boss is so excited. I never took leave and worked throughout my entire pregnancy. I am a culinary administrator at Royalton Hotel, where I’ve been working for about eight years. I go above and beyond for my job, but I’m thankful for the support I’ve received from everyone around me.”
When asked what advice she would give to new mothers, especially those without as much support, Shanna emphasised the importance of faith.
“Put your trust in God. Prayer helped me a lot. Everything else will follow. There’s a certain song I sing called Jireh to calm me,” she said, highlighting the spiritual strength that helped her through the challenges of childbirth.
Headline photo: Stock image
Well my dear all the best……thank God for a healthy baby and the support of your family, and the fact that you are working AND YOU ARE NOT ASKING FOR ANY HAND OUT, AND THE FATHER OF YOUR CHILD WAS THERE WITH YOU …….:my dear you have no idea how St Lucian’s can judge single black women from a certain demographic (right down to to a certain PM) as done so already and on both occasions sorry my tongue or school of thought was not having it for the firestorm that was lit, you had to read it to believe it. I would tell expected mothers at end of the year to refrain from accepting first child of the year accolades from the media. Tell them thanks, but no thanks if asked.
Yall man cah see 1 ting and not make it political
Blessed is this child who is in GOD’S hands ❗
That was not the only baby for this New Year …A beautiful baby girl was born on that evening!!!! However Congratulations to the new mom and the first baby (boy) for 2025!!
Congratulations young lady God bless you.I can imagine how proud my mom was 52 years ago when I was born at Victoria Hospital on that very same day.Welcome little one to the Bew years birthday club. Happy birthday and Congratulations once again.Anything you can achieve for free is a blessing from God …