Reggae Girl welcomes newborn daughter

October 08, 2020
Reggae Girl Christina Chang (second right) looks for a pass during a training session at the National Stadium on Monday, May 13, 2019 as Jamaica’s senior women’s team prepared for their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup that summer.
Reggae Girl Christina Chang (second right) looks for a pass during a training session at the National Stadium on Monday, May 13, 2019 as Jamaica’s senior women’s team prepared for their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup that summer.

Reggae Girl Christina Chang has given birth to her first child, a girl, yesterday.

The infant, who was born weighing six pounds, 13 ounces, has been named Mila Cataleya.

Chang, who lives in Florida, made the announcement in an Instagram post yesterday and said the labour was a difficult but fulfilling one.

"So naturally, nothing went according to plan but that's OK," she posted. "Ended up having complications for both Mila and mommy but we were in great hands the entire time.

"Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. We are so blessed. Lots of love to everyone."

She thanked her doctor, describing him as "beyond incredible," and also praised her husband, Iko De Oliveira, for comforting her throughout the labour.

"He was the one man show, aroma therapy, music, massages, inspiration, punching bag lol, I couldn't have done it without him!" she said.

Chang said she prepared for labour as though she was getting ready for a game.

"Funny thing is, I found myself preparing for today as if I was preparing to play a game lol," she said. "I started visualizing, blocking out all negative energy... really just focusing on the end game, which is a healthy Mila.

"Having a baby during COVID-19 is a little tricky, we will be here for at least a few days with no family and no friends. Slowly but surely we will keep everyone updated. Thanks for all the love."

Chang, 35 years old, has been a senior member of the national senior women's team since 2008, when she participated in Concacaf Olympic Qualifiers ahead of the Beijing Games. She also featured in the 2018 Concacaf Women's Championships where the Reggae Girls finished third and qualified for their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup in France in 2019.

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