Published on Jan. 1, 2026
Baby boy Chittibabu arrived just in time to become the first baby born in Laguna Hills at The Women’s Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in 2026. Coming into the world at 7 lbs. 12 oz. at 1:28 a.m., Baby Elangovan is the second child of Nithiyakalyani and Elangovan Santhanam, residents of Irvine.
“Words can hardly express how deeply joyful we are to welcome our little one as the first baby of 2026,” shared Nithiyakalyani. “Having our son arrive right at the start of a new year feels like a dream. He is the first in our family to be born on New Year’s Day, but we couldn’t be happier.”
In celebration of having the hospital’s first baby of the year, Nithiyakalyani and Elangovan received a special “First New Year Baby Basket” — stuffed with onesies, receiving blankets, bathing items, and diapers — from The Women’s Hospital care team at Saddleback Medical Center.
The Women’s Hospital has been at the forefront of maternity care for more than 35 years, pioneering innovations like the first Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum (LDRP) suites in Orange County in 1988 to keep mom and baby together. Focused on continuous quality improvement, Saddleback Medical Center maintains a cesarean birth rate of 23.2%—lower than national and state targets—and supports safe, evidence-based options like vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Saddleback Medical Center is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek for best maternity care.
"When I delivered my first child at Saddleback Medical Center, I felt so cared for every step of the way — from the personalized attention to the amazing care,” said Nithiyakalyani. “So, when it came time for our second baby, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to come back. I knew I would be in the best possible hands, especially with Dr. Lilly Singh, who supported me throughout my prenatal care, delivery, and even after. The entire team made the experience feel safe and reassuring."
Every maternity patient at Saddleback Medical Center, not just those with high-risk pregnancies, receives personalized support from a dedicated maternity concierge. Combined with an Obstetric Emergency Department and Level III Irma Feldcamp Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that is equipped to support premature and fragile infants with a team of neonatologists, laborists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and social workers available 24/7—Saddleback Medical Center offers advanced maternity care, but with the comfort and personalized care of a community hospital.
With exceptional programs, expert care teams and high-quality care, more than 1,600 families trust The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center to safely deliver their babies every year.