• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Family

Sisters give birth at the same hospital on the same day, which is their dad's 70th birthday

0:49
Sisters give birth at same hospital on same day, which is their dad's 70th birthday
Alida Almonte-Giannini/Mercy Medical Center
ByNicole Pelletiere
July 08, 2019, 10:55 PM

Two sisters from New York welcomed babies last week, on the very same day as their father's 70th birthday.

The sweet coincidence occurred July 3 at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, when Simone Cumberbatch had her scheduled cesarean section. Hours before, Simone's younger sister Shari happened to go into labor.

"At first I was shocked. I said, 'Wow this is really happening?'" Simone Cumberbatch, a mom of two, told "Good Morning America." "When I realized it was real, I said, 'This is going to be a good thing.'"

Simone Cumberbatch gave birth to a girl, Liberty, at 5:30 p.m.

Simone Cumberbatch gave birth to a girl, Liberty, at 5:30 p.m., at Mercy Medical Center in New York.
Alida Almonte-Giannini/Mercy Medical Center

Related Articles

(MORE: Couple learns adopted son's birth mom is pregnant with a baby girl, so they adopt her as well)

Liberty's cousin, a girl named Hailey, arrived earlier that afternoon at 12:57 p.m.

Shari Cumberbatch had been induced and went into labor earlier than doctors expected, she said. The sisters, both from Queens, share the same obstetrician, Dr. Jay Seraji, so Shari's labor postponed her sister's C-section, they said.

Shari Cumberbatch gave birth to a girl named Hailey at 12:57 p.m. on July 3 at Mercy Medical Center in New York.
Alida Almonte-Giannini/Mercy Medical Center

"The doctor said, 'We've got an issue. Your sister was induced and I didn't expect her to go into labor until later but she's 8 centimeters dilated and I'm going to have to take care of that,'" Simone Cumberbatch said.

Editor’s Picks

New mom who survived cancer creates 'no breastfeeding zone' sign for delivery room

  • Oct 30, 2018

Woman who carried twins for twin sister gives birth, says kids will be 'so loved'

  • Jun 12, 2019

High school football coach pulls off sweet proposal with the help of his players

  • Nov 07, 2018

Related Articles

(MORE: 5 daughters surround mom as she gives birth to their baby sister)

Both sisters weren't due to give birth until mid-July. However, Simone Cumberbatch chose July 3 to have her C-section so her father could share a birthday with his grandchild, she explained.

The sweet coincidence occurred July 3 at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, when Simone Cumberbatch had her scheduled cesarean section. Hours before, Simone's younger sister Shari happened to go into labor.
Alida Almonte-Giannini/Mercy Medical Center

Elmo Cumberbatch, who's now a grandfather to three girls, has a lot to celebrate -- telling Mercy Medical Center that he's excited to buy the kids presents.

Both sisters said they are pleased by the happy accident.

Sisters Simone and Shari Cumberbatch gave birth at the same hospital, Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, New York, on the same day, July 3, 2019, which happens to be their father Elmo Cumberbatch's birthday.
Alida Almonte-Giannini/Mercy Medical Center

"I'm kind of hoping her cousin will be her best friend," Shari Cumberbatch said of her daughter.

Editor’s Picks

New mom who survived cancer creates 'no breastfeeding zone' sign for delivery room

  • Oct 30, 2018

Woman who carried twins for twin sister gives birth, says kids will be 'so loved'

  • Jun 12, 2019

High school football coach pulls off sweet proposal with the help of his players

  • Nov 07, 2018

Up Next in Family—

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming says she feels 'profoundly sad' on Father's Day

June 15, 2025

Over 18,000 Bugaboo high chairs voluntarily recalled due to potential fall hazard

June 13, 2025

New car seat regulations go into effect next year: What parents should know

June 13, 2025

Christie Brinkley opens up about raising kids in the spotlight: 'The toughest'

June 11, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News