It's what all of the cool babies will be wearing this spring.
Barcelona fans had much to celebrate the first week of May in 2009. First, on May 2nd, they kicked the bejesus out of Real Madrid 6-2, effectively ending any questions as to who would be La Liga champs. Then, on May 6th, Andres Iniesta scored a screamer of a goal in the last seconds of stoppage time against Chelsea, thus advancing to the Champions League final where they then thoroughly dismantled Manchester United.
Celebrations for many no doubt went on long into the night. For most, the after effect was probably no more than a hoarse throat and lingering hangover. For some, it seems, the celebration of these momentous events will be more lasting.
According to the results of a survey by Barcelona radio station ComRadio of local hospitals and clinics, requests for beds at maternity hospitals have gone through the roof. Births this week, and those expected for next week, are 45% above average.
The El Mundo newspaper quoted Mercedes Rodriguez of the city’s Quiron Clinic as saying, “When we notice some sort of surge we look for the reason and it’s evident that the cause of the increase this week is the euphoria of Barca fans thanks to the huge win (against Real) and Iniesta’s goal.”
According to the paper, in Barcelona the baby boom is popularly referred as “the Iniesta generation.”
No word yet on whether there has been a spike in naming babies “Andres” or “Andrea.”
Just imagine how many children would have been born to Cristiano Ronaldo alone if Man U had won.
I wonder if the birth rate in Brazil skyrockets nine months from the time they were named hosts of the 2014 World Cup. They could birth a whole new generation of superstars just by landing the tournament!