WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare ended 2020 and welcomed 2021 while marking three milestone births at the medical system: its last birth in its former OB Department, the first birth in its new Women’s Center, and its first birth of 2021.
Braelynn Reese was the last baby to be born in the medical system’s former OB Department on December 28, 2020, at 12:12 a.m. Her parents are Billy Reese and Dametria Edwards. The OB Department is currently being converted into Ozarks Healthcare’s new COVID Care Unit (CCU), following the opening of the medical system’s new Women’s Center. The Center includes 20,000 square feet of modern labor and delivery rooms, gynecological surgery facilities, and educational spaces. The Center is the first portion of the most significant expansion in the medical center’s history to be completed and is now open to patients.
Marking the first birth conducted in Ozarks Healthcare’s Women’s Center, Kash Smith made his entrance in the world at 3:17 a.m. on December 30, 2020. Kash’s parents are Harley and Alex Smith.
“The last few days have been especially meaningful to our staff as history at Ozarks Healthcare was made with these births,” Tonya Aaron, Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Center Manager, said. “Thousands of newborns have been brought into the world at Ozarks Healthcare, and we are excited to welcome even more as we open our new Women’s Center and enter 2021.”
The medical system welcomed its first baby of 2021 on New Year’s Day at 6:45 p.m. Barrett Waggoner was delivered by Dr. Brian Israel of Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Health. Barrett’s parents are Brandon and Ashlyn Waggoner.
“Being able to welcome a newborn on New Year’s Day is always a special moment,” Israel said. “Barrett’s entrance to the world was symbolic of the new beginnings we anticipate in 2021.”
All three babies received a wagon, car seat, car shade, book, diaper bag, and more courtesy of Ozarks Healthcare.
Ozarks Healthcare conducts the deliveries of roughly 600 newborns each year. For more information about obstetrical care and delivery services offered through Ozarks Healthcare’s Women’s Center, visit https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/services/womens/.
