Spring is a time of new birth. And, history sometimes repeats itself – even with a baby boom.
In 1991, Family BirthPlace Licensed Practical Nurse Marla Wegner helped with the delivery of Brock Naze from Montpelier, N.D. During that week, the then Jamestown Hospital experienced a baby boom. 13 babies in two days. 26 years later, Jamestown Regional Medical Center again experienced a baby boom. Six babies were born in 10 hours nearing a record, nurses said. And again, Wegner was a part of it. She helped deliver Adrian James Naze, the first-born son of Brock Naze and Stephanie Wieler.
Wegner has worked in the Family BirthPlace for 42 years. Attending baby Adrian’s delivery is not the first time she has assisted with the birth of a baby whose parent she also helped deliver. It is, however, the first time a grandparent remembered.
BABY BOOM 2017
Linda Naze, Brock’s mother, brought Brock’s baby book to the hospital. In was a copy of a Jamestown Sun story, featuring Wegner and four other nurses. The five ladies are pictured holding the record-setting babies born March 1991. Among the nurses is Wegner, holding an hours-old Brock Naze.
“Marla is a great nurse,” Naze said. Wegner assisted in the birth of all four of her children. “She has been working with babies that long because she is that good.”
26 years to the month later, Wegner helped with the delivery of Brock’s first son.
“It’s cool,” Wegner said. “You just know that you are appreciated.”
On Monday, Wegner enjoyed a slower day, after an exceptionally busy Friday. On average, about one baby is born per day at JRMC. So to deliver six babies in 10 hours required extra staff and exceptional teamwork. The six babies bring the March birth total to 32 babies.
HELPING HANDS
Two nurses were scheduled for Friday, Mar. 31. But, because of the moms in labor, Registered Nurse Kacie Pahl stayed late, Registered Nurse Jessica Timm came in early and Registered Nurse and Family BirthPlace Manager Emily Woodley gave up her day to help with the laboring moms.
“Everyone worked well, from the nursing staff to environmental services,” said Registered Nurse Deb Thingstad. “It’s fun when it is busy.” Wegner agreed.
No one got to sit when they ate, she said with a smile. But, thanks to Dave and Dr. Mandy Sorlie, everyone did get to eat. While Dr. Sorlie delivered four of the six babies, her husband delivered tacos and ice cream treats. So, no one went hungry.
As new parents, Brock and Stephanie packed up to leave Monday. They appreciated the help from the nursing and anesthesiology teams.
“Marla’s been great. All the nurses here have been great,” Naze said.
The couple is looking forward to being new parents. And, have even set up two baby swings. One in the house and one in the shop, so little Adrian can ‘help’ his dad.
And while March 31 was a boom, if the pre-natal classes are any indication, the boom will continue through spring and early summer. Nearly 25 people have registered for the upcoming breastfeeding class, Wegner said. The typical enrollment is usually 10 to 12 women. Other classes, including the Pre-natal and Happy Baby course, have seen an increase in attendance too.
Finally, to learn more about Family Birthplace and pre-natal classes, call Family BirthPlace at (701) 952-4807.