Kelly Mayfield has 6-pound boy

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

The first baby born at River Park Hospital in 2004 is Blake Mayfield, pictured here with his mom, Kelly. She gave birth to the 6-pound, 2-ounce boy at 6:24 p.m. on New Year’s Day. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

The first baby born at River Park Hospital in 2004 is Blake Mayfield, son of Kelly and Duane Mayfield. The 6-pound, 2-ounce boy was born at 6:24 p.m. on New Year’s Day, measured 19 and three-quarter inches, and was delivered by Dr. Michael Good.

Good, who has delivered several first babies, was still thrilled to be involved with this year’s first.

“It’s exciting,” he said, “for mom and for everybody here.”

Good said the new baby seemed strong and healthy.

“He’s a good baby,” Good said. “He’s not real big, but he came out crying.”

Traditionally, the first baby of the year takes home a variety of gifts donated by local businesses, and Blake is no exception, receiving everything from diapers to savings bonds. Mom was somewhat surprised, but very appreciative.

“That’s great,” Kelly said. “I didn’t know they did all that.”

River Park’s newest mom was also pleased with her experience at the facility.

“I really liked it,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve had one here. They really made me feel comfortable.”

To fit right in with 2004’s first delivery, River Park will be offering “Baby and Me” childbirth classes for expectant mothers from Jan. 6 to Feb. 10. The classes will be held at River Park in the B.C. Smoot classroom on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Class fees are $40 and the classes will be taught by Christy Colwell and Diane Roberts.

Class subjects will include nutrition, fetal development, labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, comfort measures, epidural and other methods of pain relief, cesarean section, post-partum, early newborns, birth control, breast feeding, bottle feeding, circumcision and classes will also include a tour of the Family Birth Unit at River Park.

For more information call 815-4171 or Diane at 635-2027.