WHILE many Bunbury residents were in recovery from New Year’s celebrations and preparing to go back to work, Sarah Tidmarsh and Benjamin Pollard were preparing for something a bit more special – the birth of their first child.

Samara Louise Tidmarsh came into the world at 4.55pm on the first of January, making her Bunbury’s first arrival of the new year.

Ms Tidmarsh endured a painful 17 hour labour, as baby Samara obstructed in the womb, not entirely sure she was ready to face the new year.

“The doctors were surprised by Samara’s wide open eyes. She was very calm, and started sucking her thumb and took to breastfeeding almost straight away,” Ms Tidmarsh said.

Samara shares the same birthday as her grandmother who had predicted the arrival would be between December 30 and January 3.

The couple moved from Moree, NSW last February and said they were looking forward to raising a family in Bunbury.

“We are definitely settled in Bunbury now, and I think Samara will be given great opportunities here.” Ms Tidmarsh said.

She thanked the midwives at Bunbury Regional Hospital for their assistance and support and looks forward to the first exciting year with Samara Louise in 2009.