Albion couple’s daughter is Oaklawn's first birth of 2024

MARSHALL – Oaklawn’s first baby of 2024 is Clover Renée Coney, born at 12:21 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, in the Oaklawn Birth Center.

The child is the daughter of Jade Torrey and Jaden Coney of Albion and is the couple’s third child with all three born at Oaklawn.

Little Clover weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces at birth and measured 20.5 inches long.

Jade said she was surprised when she began having a few contractions on New Year’s Eve, since her due date was Jan. 5.

“It was certainly a surprise,” said Jade. “We first came in on Sunday night at 10 p.m. after I had some contractions, and then we went back home. And after we got home, the contractions came back-to-back, so we came back in.”

Jade said she liked the name Clover after hearing of a baby with that name a while back.

“I said, ‘If I ever have another baby, I’m going to use Clover,’” she said.

Jan. 1 is also the birthday of Jade’s grandmother, making the day extra special said the couple.

“It’s a blessing and it’s exciting that we have something to look forward to every New Year,” said Jaden.

The hospital staff presented the family with a gift basket containing items for the child and family. Included were  blankets, toys, an infant outfit, a winter-weather hat, a beanie and socks set, pacifiers, a book, a feeding set, a sound machine and a six-piece bath set.

Jade has high praise for the staff at Oaklawn.

“They were amazing,” said Jade. “They are so helpful and always made sure I was comfortable. I love the staff. If I have any other babies, it will be at Oaklawn as well.”

Oaklawn’s renovated Birth Center opened in 2012. Based on the number of deliveries since then, staff expect to welcome nearly 600 newborns during 2024.

At Oaklawn, a new mother remains in one comfortable, homelike room from labor through the time she takes her baby home. 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.

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.