That’s how many babies have been delivered since the birth of its Cherished Beginnings unit in January 2000.
The first child born at Cherished Beginnings – a boy – came into the world at 4:31 p.m., Jan. 4, 2000, and was delivered by James Perry, M.D., who continues his obstetrics practice and now serves as president of the St. Francis-Mooresville medical staff. The most recent birth was January 5, 2010, at 12:36 p.m., also delivered by Perry.
So many young lives and families in Morgan County have gotten their start in Cherished Beginnings, and we are proud to continue to be a part of it all,” said Dawn Scott, R.N., clinical services director who was the first manager of Cherished Beginnings.
Among the original 17 staff members – the number of which has since doubled – is Stephanie Brock, R.N., the current manager of the OB.
In the decade Cherished Beginnings has operated, 53 sets of twins have been delivered. The largest baby, a boy, was born in March 2004 and tipped the scales at 11 pounds.
The unit provides a wide range of obstetrical services and newborn care to women and their babies, including a level 2 nursery to care for low- and moderate-risk newborns, with immediate access to the level 3 neonatal intensive care unit at St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis if needed. The Mooresville unit also has surgical suites for Caesarean sections and other emergencies.
Cherished Beginnings provides far more than labor and delivery. A variety of prenatal, newborn care and parenting classes are offered throughout the year. The unit also offers child passenger safety seat inspections and a variety of support groups.
For more information about Cherished Beginnings, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=102.
Benjamin Neal and his mother Marla recently took time to reunite with Dr. James Perry, who delivered Benjamin on Jan. 4, 2000.
