Baby Boom

Over a 60-hour period in Memorial’s Childbirth Unit in early December, there was a record number of babies born – 38. It’s safe to say the record snowfall and frigid temperatures in early 2014 – keeping more people inside – led to the boost in births.

“For 48 hours we literally had zero beds. As fast as the patients were birthing and getting moved to the Mother Baby Unit, we were immediately filling the rooms back up!” explains Patty DeStefano, MSN, RNC, director, Childbirth Unit.

More than 30 deliveries in 60 hours will cause you to be giddy! Front row: Anita Willis, RNC, Amy Allsop, RNC Back row: Kim Richie, CST, Kristin Roush, RNC and Bryn Mitschelen, R.N.

Associates with more than 30 years’ experience don’t remember a time when there was such a sudden stream of birthing patients.

“The Childbirth Unit truly performed exemplary teamwork, communication and keeping a sense of humor during the most difficult of times. I am so proud and grateful for every single staff member who stayed over, rearranged their schedules and simply stretched themselves beyond the limitations of what we think we can do,” shares Patty.

Simply put, “It was an unbelievable 48-plus hours.”

Baby Boom By the Numbers
•       10 Cesarean sections
•       27 vaginal births
•       A set of triplets
•       At one point 21 nurses were on the floor caring for patients
•       Aside from the 37 deliveries, there were 28 triage patients who were evaluated and discharged to home.