Total exceeds seasonal average by 35 births

The Birthing Center inside the new MU Health Care Children’s Hospital welcomed 245 babies into the world during its opening month, eclipsing the June and July 2022 average of 210 births per month.

 The Birthing Center opened June 10 and features state-of-the-art operating rooms, including one for fetal surgery.  Designed to foster a calming atmosphere, the birthing center provides options that empower women to have the birthing experience they want.

Low-intervention suites are available with specialized and complex care only a few feet away if needed. The Birthing Center is a floor away from the expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which offers completely private rooms. The proximity ensures that all babies born in the Birthing Center have the best care possible in central Missouri.

“We designed the Birthing Center to keep mom, baby and families together during such a special milestone in their lives,” said Dr. Jean Goodman. “We are very proud of our international designation as a Baby Friendly hospital, and to have already helped 245 babies into the world. We plan to welcome many more.”

The 100th baby, Zoey Ruth, was born at 1 p.m. on June 23, and came in weighing 7 lbs, 15 oz.

Goodman is a maternal and fetal medicine physician at MU Health Care and the William T. and Roberta Ann Griffin Endowed Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Media outlets: Click here for photos of Zoey Ruth.

Contact: Eric Maze, mazee@health.missouri.edu, (573) 884-3656