New Zealand prime minister gives birth to baby girl

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became the first world leader in more than 30 years to give birth in office on Thursday when she delivered a baby girl. 

“Welcome to our village wee one,” Ardern wrote on Instagram. “Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb) Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness. We’re all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital.”

Ardern is the second elected world leader to give birth in office. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto did so in 1990. 

Ardern’s partner, Clarke Gayford, will be a stay-at-home father. He previously hosted a fishing documentary series.

Ardern plans on taking six weeks of maternity leave. In the meantime, New Zealand First leader and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will serve as acting prime minister. {mosads}

The birth is being marked as a sign of progress for women. Former prime minister Helen Clark praised Ardern and her partner’s parenting arrangement as an example of gender equality after the birth. 

Ardern became prime minister in October, making her the country’s youngest premier since 1856.