Coldwater couple's baby daughter is Oaklawn's first birth of 2019 

MARSHALL – Oaklawn’s first baby of 2019 is Hazel Grace Harrison, born at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, in the Oaklawn Birth Center. The child is the daughter of Brooke Lafferty and Noah Harrison, both of Coldwater. 

Little Hazel weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces at birth, and measured 21 inches long, Oaklawn’s nursing staff reported.

The child is the first baby for the couple, who chose to come to Oaklawn for the delivery because of its reputation among the mother’s family, Brooke Lafferty said.  

“My mom delivered both me and my brother here,” she said. “She said it was the best hospital you could have a baby in, and it’s been wonderful. I had probably the best nurse you could have. It was the best experience one could go through, honestly.” 

The hospital staff presented the family with a gift basket containing items for the child and family. Included were an embroidered baby blanket, a photo frame, a candle, books to read to the baby, swaddle wraps, a rattle, baby washcloths and wall art for the home.

Oaklawn’s renovated Birth Center opened in 2012. Based on the number of deliveries since then, staff expect to welcome more than 800 newborns during 2019.

At Oaklawn, a new mother remains in one comfortable, homelike room from labor through the time she takes her baby home. Fathers, support persons and siblings are welcome at all times, and other family members and friends may visit during normal visiting hours.

Each of the 11 private rooms for labor, delivery, recovery and post-partum care is decorated in soft colors and features a private bathroom and shower, a rocking chair and other amenities to make the mother and baby feel at ease. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs. 

Oaklawn’s infant security system allows the nursing team to monitor the location of each baby in the Birth Center, which is a locked unit monitored by staff members. 

Experienced obstetrical nurses are always prepared to answer questions or respond to any need, and can provide information about natural relaxation, breathing techniques and pain medication. The Birth Center also offers pre-natal and childbirth education classes.

For additional information about the Oaklawn Birth Center and its services, go to www.oaklawnhospital.org or call (269) 789-3929.

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CAPTION: Noah Harrison and Brooke Lafferty of Coldwater pose with their daughter, Hazel Grace Harrison, who was born at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, in the Oaklawn Birth Center in Marshall. Hazel is Oaklawn’s first baby of 2019, and the hospital staff presented the family with a gift basket containing items for the child and family.