“He was the best surprise!”

Chloe Green gave birth to the first baby of 2026 at Walsall Manor Hospital in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Freddie Jordan Harper was born at 4.24am, weighing 6lb 1oz — arriving 11 days early and giving himself a very special birthday.

Chloe said: “My waters broke late last night, and everything happened quite quickly. I had a water birth on the Midwife-Led Unit, which was a lovely experience.”

The couple also have a 14-month-old daughter, Isabella, who is now a big sister for the first time.

Proud dad Jordan Harper joked: “I think Freddie’s big sister Isabella might get a bit jealous when she’s older — he’s got such a special birthday!”

Congratulations to the family and to our maternity team for starting 2026 with such wonderful news.