UAB Medicine News

B-Metro magazine announced the 2019 winner of its annual “Cutest Baby” contest, sponsored by the UAB Women & Infants Center. Parents and family members from across the Birmingham area submitted photos of their babies, and after months of voting by its Facebook followers, the magazine awarded this year’s grand prize to Ishaan (last name withheld), who was born at the UAB Women & Infants Center.

B-Metro presented Ishaan’s mom, Shyam, with a gift card to Storkland Baby & Kid Furniture and a mock keepsake cover of B-Metro featuring her baby. She answered some questions to help us learn more about Ishaan and to describe her experience giving birth at the UAB Women & Infants Center.

Q: What was your reaction to Ishaan being chosen as Birmingham’s “Cutest Baby”?

A: We were on cloud nine when we heard the news. We want to give credit to our family and friends for spreading the contest across the globe via social media, which helped Ishaan get more votes. During the course of the contest, we got in touch with our old school and college friends, and it helped us reconnect with them.

Q: What are some of Ishaan’s favorite things right now?

A: Our chubby, cute Mr. Joy is 8 months old and weighs 19 pounds. He enjoys creeping on his tummy, learning to sit up on his own, and taking baby steps with our support. He is a happy baby with a cute smile. He is very active and gels well with people around him. He likes conversations – sometimes he even chips in with his own baby language. He enjoys sitting on the balcony looking at cars moving on the road. He likes evening walks and driving around in the car. He likes exploring new things. He loves playing with us, and he laughs loud if we tickle him on his belly and legs.

Q: Can you tell us about a positive experience or memory you have from delivering Ishaan at the UAB Women & Infants Center?

A: It was great experience. From the day we stepped into the hospital until the day we stepped out, we were given the utmost care and love. The doctors and nurses were so kind in taking care of baby and mother. During our stay, we never felt that we were away from the family because we got motherly love from the nurses. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of the UAB Women & Infants Center, who provide exceptional care and love to pregnant women and newborns.

Click here to learn more about the UAB Women & Infants Center.