In an extraordinary birth story, a Buffalo mother recently welcomed her daughter, Yemayá, who weighed an astonishing 14 pounds and 1 ounce at delivery. Dorisha Rodriguez, aged 35, expressed her shock and elation regarding the size of her new arrival, which left both her and her partner, Dominic Soto, 41, utterly astonished. “I couldn’t believe my ears,” she recounted. “Without even thinking, I blurted out, ‘What the f–k? Did she just say 14 pounds?'”
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Anticipated to be on the larger side, Yemayá’s weight exceeded all expectations. Prior to her birth, the final growth scan had estimated the baby would weigh around 13 pounds and 4 ounces, prompting the couple to prepare for a big baby but not one of Yemayá’s proportion. Despite the surprise, Dorisha had previously given birth to two children, Jaxon, 6, and Avianna, 17, who were also larger than average. She reflected on Yemayá’s entrance, stating, “She just continued the trend on an even grander scale.”
Throughout her pregnancy, Dorisha had aimed for a natural birth with minimal intervention. However, during a routine cervical check, the medical team was prompted to reconsider this plan after Yemayá unexpectedly reached out and grasped the provider’s finger. This led to a closer examination, which revealed the baby’s entire forearm and hand were accessible, necessitating a C-section for the safety of both mother and child. “It wasn’t the birth plan I originally envisioned, but it was the safest option for both of us,” Dorisha explained.
Yemayá made her entrance into the world at 6:32 p.m., and her unique delivery was documented as occurring “hand first.” This unusual presentation may have been indicative of her strong spirit, which began showing from the moment of birth. “It was clear to me from the very beginning that Yemayá was going to be a shot caller,” Dorisha remarked. “This girl came into the world already knowing exactly what she wanted.”
Despite the unexpected turn of events leading up to the birth, the medical staff focused on ensuring both Dorisha and Yemayá remained healthy. Due to Dorisha’s insulin-controlled gestational diabetes, doctors kept a close watch on the newborn’s well-being. After a brief stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to monitor her breathing, Yemayá was discharged. “She was on oxygen for a couple of days, and they gradually weaned her off as her breathing improved,” said Dorisha. “On her one-week birthday, she officially graduated from the NICU, and we were finally able to bring our sweet girl home.”
Yemayá’s name carries significant meaning for her parents, embodying feminine strength and resilience. “We aimed to give her a name that honours strength, wisdom, resilience, and the kind of unconditional love that helps families grow and thrive,” Dorisha stated. The proud mother believes the name suits her daughter perfectly, as Yemayá has already shown her determined nature. “She has this undeniable presence about her. She is strong, determined, and full of personality,” Dorisha noted.
Now back at home, Dorisha and her family are adjusting to life with their new addition. Although transitioning to a family of five has been challenging, they have managed to acclimatise well. Yemayá is already in 3-6 month clothing and shows signs of thriving, having already gained weight and grown rapidly. During her one-month check-up, she weighed in at 14 pounds and 6 ounces, measuring 24 inches long. “At her pediatric appointment, they said she is absolutely perfect,” Dorisha added.
Public reception to the family’s story has been overwhelmingly positive. Outside of their immediate circle, Dorisha has observed an outpouring of support from the community and beyond. She’s recalled experiences of people applauding when the family enters public spaces, celebrating what they’ve come to refer to as their “famous baby.” “It has been incredible to see how much traction our story generated,” Dorisha shared. “A story that started with our family quickly became something people everywhere were celebrating.”
While the family has encountered some negative comments since sharing their story, Dorisha emphasises the importance of focusing on the love and positivity surrounding Yemayá. “The negativity doesn’t outweigh the love or take away from our experience. We choose to focus on the people who celebrated her,” she reflected, expressing deep gratitude for the joy Yemayá has brought into their lives.
This remarkable story of birth, resilience, and triumph concludes with a note of hope and strength, as Yemayá’s presence continues to inspire joy for her family and all those who come into contact with her.