Baby Born on Once-in-a-Century Date of 12/12/12 at Emerson Hospital

The following was provided by Emerson Hospital.

The baby girl born at Emerson Hospital to Kerry Whalen and Derrick Feld of Chelmsford had been scheduled for induction on 12/12/12, but the procedure wasn’t necessary after all. Stella Marie arrived at 3:49 a.m., at 19 inches long and weighing 7 pounds, 8½ ounces.

The baby was delivered by Richard Rubin, MD of Concord OB/GYN Associates. Rubin also delivered their first child, 2½-year-old Colin.

Feld said he was nervous while driving his wife to visit relatives two hours away in South Hadley on Thanksgiving, particularly because she had a procedure to turn their daughter from her breech position earlier in the week. When Whalen returned to Emerson in labor at 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 11, just one day after her due date, her friends and family members instantly realized the significance of the timing.

“Everyone was urging me to hang on for another three-plus hours,” said Whalen, who felt well enough during her labor to text frequent updates. Now she is enjoying another positive experience at Emerson.

“The nurses are fantastic, the rooms are huge and comfortable, and someone just came by with snacks,” Whalen said. “It’s very laid back. It almost feels like you’re in a hotel.” 

Until they are discharged today or Friday, the family is reveling in congratulations and some extra attention for their once-in-a-lifetime gift.

“It’s fun,” Feld said. “No one will ever forget her birthday.”