The first-born daughter to member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella and her husband Greg, arrived at the Epworth Freemasons Hospital in Melbourne yesterday at 10am.

She weighed 4.25kg (9 lb 6 oz) and is a new sister to Mr Mirabella’s daughters Emily and Madeleine.

“I am very happy and feel extremely blessed,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“This is the most important thing I have done in my life.”

The new baby is named after Mrs Mirabella’s late grandmother, Alexandra, and Mr Mirabella’s mother Mary.

Mr Mirabella said his daughter had been born by caesarean section after his wife was diagnosed by her obstetrician with placenta previa, where the placenta has implanted at the bottom of the uterus, over the cervix or close by, and the baby cannot be born vaginally.

He said both his wife and new daughter were very well, with the baby enjoying the adoration of her family, including her sisters and grandmother.

“We are thrilled,” he said.

“She looks to have her father’s nose but I think she has Sophie’s lips which is probably a good thing.”

Mr Mirabella said his wife and daughter would remain in hospital until early next week and would not return to Wangaratta before Tuesday or Wednesday.

In a statement, Mrs Mirabella said she and her husband were delighted with the arrival of their daughter.

“The pregnancy has been a wonderful time of my life, and to now have this beautiful little girl in our lives is by far the greatest gift of all,” she said.

“We would like to thank all the wonderful people in the North East who have sent their best wishes for the birth.

“It was really lovely to have people coming into my Wangaratta office, sending cards and calling me to wish us all the best. Thank you to all.”

Mrs Mirabella had been staying with her mother Barbara in Melbourne prior to delivering her daughter yesterday.

Alexandra is Mrs Panopoulos’ first grandchild.