New Year’s baby surprises with early arrival

Born at 4:48 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Aaliyah LaShay Cook was the first baby to be born at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in 2016. She weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth.

“I was surprised when I started having contractions and went in labor as she wasn’t due until January 12, but she had a plan of her own,” said mom Ramonda LaShay Sinkfield.

Ada Kagumba, M.D., Piedmont Obstetrics and Gynecology, delivered the newborn. Both mom and baby went home Sunday and are doing well.

“I am so blessed to have a beautiful and healthy baby girl,” Sinkfield said. “And I am thankful for the great care I received from all the nurses and doctor, making it an easy delivery.”

As mother of the first baby born at the hospital, Sinkfield was presented with a free photo package worth $145 from Bella Baby Photography, free Chick-fil-A for a year from Newnan Chick-fil-A Dwarf House, a gift basket worth $50 from Babies R US in Newnan, and a $25 gift card from Piedmont Plus Federal Credit Union.