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New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern gives birth to baby girl

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern has given birth to a baby girl
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern has given birth to a baby girl

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has given birth to a healthy baby girl.

She is only the second world leader to do give birth while in office, following Pakistan’s former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The baby is the first child for the 37-year-old and her 40-year-old partner Clarke Gayford, with the youngster weighing in at a healthy 7.3 pounds (3.3kg).

‘Welcome to our village wee one,’ she wrote, posting a picture of the new arrival on Instagram.

‘Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl.

‘I’m sure we’re going through all of the emotions new parents go through, but at the same time feeling so grateful for all the kindness and best wishes from so many people. Thank you’, Ardern added.

‘We’re all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital.’

Her pregnancy has been followed around the world, with many hoping the 37-year-old will become a role model for combining motherhood with political leadership. (AP Photo/Nick Perry, File)
Her pregnancy has been followed around the world, with many hoping the 37-year-old will become a role model for combining motherhood with political leadership. (AP Photo/Nick Perry, File)

Revealing her pregnancy last January, she said: ‘Lots of people juggle a lot of things in their personal and private lives, and I’m not unusual in that. Plenty of women have multitasked before me, and I want to acknowledge that.’

Ardern became Prime Minister of New Zealand last October, after forging a three-way coalition months after taking the reigns of the Labour Party.

Offering his congratulations, New Zealand opposition leader Simon Bridges said: ‘Being parents is a joy and a privilege and we are sure your new arrival will fill your lives with all the happiness our children have.’

Former prime minister Helen Clark said it was a happy day for Ms Ardern and Mr Gayford, claiming that New Zealanders had taken the news of the pregnancy in their stride.

‘This is a sign of our maturity as a country and its acceptance that combining career and family is a choice which women are free to make,’ she wrote.

‘Let’s also celebrate Clarke as a modern man who is happy to be the full-time parent of a young child.

‘For New Zealand, these events and the way our country has greeted them will be seen as inspirational by all who advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.’