SOFIA, Bulgaria – Bulgaria welcomed its first baby of the year at precisely 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, as little Krum made an early debut at Sheinovo Hospital in Sofia.
Born prematurely at 35 weeks, Krum weighed 2.3 kilograms and measured 47 centimeters in length. Despite his unexpected arrival, doctors confirmed he is in good health, much to the relief and joy of his mother, Stanislava Borisova.
“It all happened unexpectedly, but I’m so happy he’s here with me, to hold and feel him. It doesn’t matter that he was premature. I’m so thankful for the entire team at Sheinovo who supported me that evening,” said Borisova. The name Krum, chosen long before his arrival, holds personal significance, honoring Borisova’s brother-in-law.
A Premature Yet Natural Arrival
Dr. Zornitsa Malinova, who assisted with the delivery, confirmed that Krum’s birth was natural, an achievement given the circumstances. Born ahead of his February 4 due date, Krum is now under close medical observation to ensure his continued health.
“Krum was delivered safely, and he is showing strong signs of progress. While being born at 35 weeks carries certain risks, his condition is stable, which is reassuring for both his family and our team,” said Dr. Malinova.
She also revealed that Sheinovo Hospital welcomed its second baby of the year later that morning at 4:30 a.m. This newborn, born prematurely at just 31 weeks, is currently in an incubator but is reported to be doing well.
Premature Births at Sheinovo
Sheinovo Hospital, one of Sofia’s most prominent maternity centers, recorded 2,170 births in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. Approximately 10% of these births were premature, a figure consistent with the hospital’s historical averages.
“Premature births are always a challenge, but with advancements in neonatal care and the dedication of our staff, we are seeing positive outcomes for most of these cases,” said Dr. Malinova.
The first hours of 2025 have already proven eventful for Sheinovo, with two premature but promising births signaling a hopeful start to the year.
A Personal and National Celebration
For Borisova, Krum’s early arrival adds a special significance to the New Year celebrations. “Having my son arrive just as the new year began feels like a blessing. I’m looking forward to taking him home and starting this journey together,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the care she received at the hospital.
As Bulgaria steps into 2025, Krum’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder of new beginnings. While his journey started earlier than anticipated, his health and the unwavering support of the medical team highlight the resilience of newborns and the importance of expert neonatal care.
Sheinovo Hospital remains a beacon of hope for families in Sofia, exemplifying dedication and excellence in maternity and neonatal services as it welcomes its first babies of the year.