Riverhead Couple Welcomes First Baby of 2026 at Stony Brook

Mariela Enriquez Flores and Jose Ramirez of Riverhead became parents on Jan. 1, 2026, when their son Liam Ramirez-Enriquez was born at Stony Brook University Hospital. Delivered at 8:26 a.m., Liam weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was recorded as the hospital's first baby of the year.

The delivery team included obstetricians Julia Xavier, MD; Dana Masand, MD; and Diana Calero-Kunda, MD, and nurse Meaghan Maggio, RN. Hospital staff and the family issued celebratory statements marking the arrival and the milestone for the medical center as it began a new calendar year serving families from across Suffolk County.

Births designated as the first of the year often attract attention beyond the immediate family because they symbolize fresh starts for parents and staff and provide a moment of community interest. For Riverhead residents, the birth highlights the role of Stony Brook University Hospital in providing regional maternity care, from routine deliveries to more complex obstetric needs. The hospital serves as a central facility for Suffolk County families seeking prenatal and delivery services.

For the Ramirez-Enriquez family, the arrival of Liam is the start of parenthood in their hometown community. Local clinics, pediatricians and support services that assist new parents will now become part of the family's routine, reflecting the broader network of care available in the area. The hospital's announcement also underscores staffing and teamwork among local medical professionals who handle deliveries at all hours of the day and year.

While the birth drew attention as a community milestone, it also serves as a reminder of the everyday work of critical care providers in Suffolk County. Maternity teams, neonatal services and nursing staff coordinate to ensure safe deliveries and follow-up care for newborns and mothers. Residents seeking information about local maternal and infant health services can contact Stony Brook University Hospital for details on postpartum care, pediatric referrals and available support programs.

As the community welcomes Liam Ramirez-Enriquez, the first baby of 2026 at Stony Brook, neighbors and local health providers share in the celebration of a new family beginning life in Riverhead and Suffolk County.