The Gemorah in Brachos 59b says that when someone hears that he just had a boy he should make the brocha “hatov v’hameitiv”. For a girl, the gemorah doesn’t say to make a brocha. (See Pesachim 65a as to why there is a beracha for a boy and not a girl). This is brought by the Shulchan Aruch 223:1. The Rama says that the custom has spread not to make a brocha, but the Magen Avraham explains the Rama that the minhag is wrong, and the brocha should in fact be said. The Aruch Hashulchan however explains and defends the minhag, but the Mishna Berura sides with the Magen Avraham.
The Mishna Berura says that even though “hatov v’hameitiv” is not recited upon having a girl, but the brocha “shehechyanu” should be said. The reason is that it is no worse than not having seen a close friend for more than thirty days which the Shulchan Aruch 225 says to make a “shehechyanu” when you see him again. Although for various reasons we are not accustomed to make the brocha in such a situation, these reasons wouldn’t apply to your newborn child. One major difference between these two brochas is that “hatov v’hameitiv” is recited upon hearing that your son was born as opposed to “shehechyanu” which is not recited until actually seeing your newborn daughter.

Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Hyman, Mir Yeshiva
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