SAINT-BARTHÉLEMY, August 3, 2025 — A tiny island hospital, not equipped for childbirth, became the unexpected birthplace of Ariana Louis Dziuba on Sunday, August 3, at 6:08 p.m. The premature arrival marked the first birth at the Irénée de Bruyn hospital center in three years, a moment of intense joy for parents Daphnée Dziuba, 28, and Lovenson Louis, 29, and the dedicated medical team.
A Surprise Arrival
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Ariana was not due until August 23, but her mother, Daphnée, felt her contractions intensifying. She had planned to travel to Saint-Martin three weeks before her due date, as is standard practice for expectant mothers in Saint-Barthélemy due to the absence of a maternity ward. However, by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Daphnée was already at the hospital, where Doctor Patricia Wagner examined her and found her to be five centimeters dilated. It was too late to make the transfer.
The birth of Ariana Louis Dziuba, weighing 2.4 kg, was a surprise event for the Saint-Barthélemy hospital.
“In reality, all the work had been done during the day,” Daphnée recounted with a laugh. The speed of the labor surprised everyone. Despite the intensity of the pain, Daphnée explained that her reserved anesthesiologist remained in Saint-Martin. “So, I had to do natural! I had no choice.” She added that the stitching afterwards took longer than the delivery itself.
A First Flight
Due to Ariana’s premature birth, a health evacuation to Saint-Martin was scheduled for Monday, August 4, to ensure the baby received appropriate monitoring. Daphnée, Lovenson, and Ariana traveled via Commuter, a local transport company. This journey earned Ariana her first “diploma”—a flight certificate presented by Captain Mathias Quesada after their return on August 7. “It moved us,” Daphnée shared, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome.
The grateful parents also extended their thanks to the healthcare team at the Saint-Barthélemy hospital, the Gustavia pharmacy, the Saint-Martin maternity service, and the midwife, Marion Mallet, who guided Daphnée throughout her pregnancy.
Family Roots and Future
For Daphnée, the birth holds deep emotional significance, as it continues a family legacy on Saint-Barthélemy. Although born in Guadeloupe, she grew up on the island, and her mother was also born there. Lovenson, originally from Saint-Martin, now resides in Saint-Barthélemy with his family. He works as a gardener, while Daphnée is a micro-entrepreneur.
“Everything went so fast, it’s a shock!” Daphnée exclaimed, still marveling at the experience. She credits the quick thinking and professionalism of the caregiving team at the Bruyn hospital center for a smooth delivery, despite the facility not being set up for births.
A Moment of Pride
Doctor Patricia Wagner acknowledged the unexpected nature of the event. “It can happen unexpectedly,” she said. “She was to go to Saint-Martin the next day. We had very little time.” She noted that while the baby was not technically considered premature, travel was impossible once labor began. “We had given ourselves three or four hours of work. It was much faster.” She praised the dedication of Nurse Thaïs Le Moan, who stayed past her shift. “A childbirth and a birth is a mixture of fear… and contentment. Afterwards, you feel relieved, a little proud too.”
Hospital director Eric Djamakorzian, arriving on Monday morning, described the atmosphere as “relaxed” and “smiling,” sensing the positive energy from the special event. He reiterated that the Irénée de Bruyn center is not equipped for deliveries, lacking specialized personnel and services to guarantee the safety of mothers and newborns in case of complications. “Fortunately, the birth of August 3 went well,” he stated.
Nurse Thaïs Le Moan admitted to a “little stress” knowing a delivery would occur, especially with limited resources. “It’s magic,” she said. “To say that it never happens in the hospital, it’s crazy. I am especially happy for parents.”
Now back home, Daphnée Dziuba, Lovenson Louis, and baby Ariana are embarking on a new, less tumultuous, but profoundly exhilarating chapter: family life.
