For Clay Today
Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County brought extra warmth to its Family Birth Place this week. Staff hosted a special Mother’s Day celebration to honor new families and create a memorable first holiday with their babies.
New mothers were treated to free brunch and a gift bag for mom that included keepsakes and self-care items. Families also took part in a mini photo session, where a professional photographer captured the family’s first Mother’s Day memories with newborns, just hours or days old.
“With Mother’s Day coming up, this event today allows us to celebrate mothers and new mothers” said Kerri Kennedy, Nurse Manager of the Family Birth Place at St. Vincent’s Clay County. “I’ve been in this field for 25 years and it brings me joy to see this evolve.”
The hospital hopes to make the event an annual tradition, recognizing the unique and emotional journey of motherhood while building a sense of community within the labor and delivery unit.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County is expanding its Family Birth Place. It recently broke ground on a project to add a Level II NICU. This will add approximately 5,000 square feet and eight Level II NICU beds in private rooms, allowing for caring for newborns from 30 weeks gestation and/or 1,250 grams (2.75 lb.) or greater birthweight who require close monitoring and additional support, such as feeding, temperature and mild respiratory problems. The project is set to be complete by the end of 2026.