Mercy Hospital welcomed a joyful milestone to begin the new year with the birth of its first baby of 2026.
Janiah Thompson was born at exactly 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, marking a sweet and hopeful start to the year for the hospital, her family, and staff. Born to Tamika Parsley and Jorrell Thompson of the Bronx, Janiah’s arrival came unexpectedly.
According to hospital officials, the family was traveling in the area when Parsley began going into labor and was transported by ambulance to Mercy, where a prepared medical team was ready to assist.
Following her birth, Janiah was photographed in a festive New Year’s–themed setting to commemorate her special arrival. Wrapped in a white swaddle and wearing a soft bow headband, she was surrounded by gold bead garlands, celebratory party props, and black-and-gold decorations symbolizing the start of 2026. The decorations highlighted both the joy of welcoming a newborn and the excitement of the new year.
The delivery was supported by Registered Nurse Megan Burgess, who cared for Parsley throughout the labor process and worked closely with Dr. Jay Seraji and the obstetrics team to ensure a safe and smooth delivery for both mother and baby.
Hospital staff celebrated the moment as a meaningful tradition, recognizing the birth of the first baby of the year as a symbol of new beginnings and hope. Mercy Hospital congratulated the Thompson family and acknowledged the dedication of its labor and delivery team in helping welcome the hospital’s first baby of 2026 into the world.
