Community Corner

First Baby Of 2026 Born At Monmouth Medical Center

A couple rang in the new year by welcoming the center's first baby of 2026, who is also their third child.

Jaqueline Vallego Velazquez and Lezama Hernandez with baby boy Elian.
Jaqueline Vallego Velazquez and Lezama Hernandez with baby boy Elian. (RWJ Barnabas Health Network)

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A couple kicked off the new year by welcoming Monmouth Medical Center’s first baby of 2026.

At 1:03 a.m., Jaqueline Vallego Velazquez and Lezama Hernandez welcomed their third child, baby boy Elian, and the first baby born at Monmouth Medical Center in 2026, a spokesperson said.

Baby boy Elian joins a group of new babies across New Jersey, who each helped their families ring in the new year.

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“Congratulations to Jaqueline Vallego Velazquez and Lezama Hernandez, who welcomed their third child, baby boy Elian, at 1:03 a.m. — the first baby born at Monmouth Medical Center in 2026,” Monmouth Medical Center said in an online post. “Each year, more than 6,000 babies are born at Monmouth Center, a regional center of excellence in maternity care that has been recognized for four consecutive years by both US News and World Reports and Newsweek among America’s top maternity hospitals.”

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