It was an extra merry Christmas Day for many families welcoming bundles of joy into the world.

Proud parents were celebrating festive newborns at maternity wards across Northern Ireland.

Although December 25 is the day her first baby was born, third-year midwifery student Katie Fitzpatrick knew exactly how the process would go, thanks to her studies.

Baby Poise was born at 2.37am, weighing 7lbs 3oz, at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast.

Poise was actually due on December 29, but Katie was induced, and said her little girl has been the perfect Christmas present, even though she and her partner Stephen Brown are still yet to get some sleep after the birth.

Another Katie also gave birth on Wednesday, in the Ulster Hospital.

Katie Ennis had her baby Rosie born at 6.10am, weighing 7lbs 12oz.

Also at the Ulster Hospital, Natalie Tosh was pictured with her new baby boy, born at 4.44am, weighing 6lbs 8oz.

The staff also joined in with the festive photos, as mum Sarah Coyle was pictured with Baby Eleanor, born at 6.36am weighing 6lbs 2oz, pictured with Leanne Wilson and Midwife India Hanna at the Ulster Hospital Maternity.

One of the earliest babies born was Scott (7lbs 8oz), born at 1.36am also at the Ulster Hospital.