UnityPoint Health® Finley Hospital Sets Record for Number of Babies Born

Contact: Kari Lammer, Marketing Communications Manager
Kari.Lammer@unitypoint.org or (563) 589-2585

Dubuque, IA— UnityPoint Health ® – Finley Hospital has set a record for the number of babies born in a month. In September 2017, 84 babies were born – only 6 shy of the 90 that were born in May 1946.

In general, 2017 has been a big year for Finley’s Family Birthing Suites. Year to date, there have been 72 more births than in 2016 – putting Finley on track to have a record year.

“Finley’s Family Birthing Suites is made up of a wonderful team that provides an outstanding experience for our new moms and babies,” states David Brandon, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital. “From our nursing team, to our neonatal nurse practitioners who care for all of our babies, but especially those in our Level II NICU, and to our mom and baby providers, each member of the team plays an important role delivering on our vision of providing the best outcome for our patients.”

The mom and baby unit at Finley is made up of 12 LDRP rooms. LDRP rooms mean that mothers labor, deliver, and recover in the same room. They also stay in the same room post-partum – meaning once they arrive at Finley they are settled in and can get comfortable in their new surroundings. The unit also includes a c-section suite, nursey and Level II NICU.

“Although we have wonderful amenities in our birthing unit, I think one of the main reasons families are choosing Finley is because of the experience our team provides,” says unit director Becky Richardson. “We make a personal connection with our families during the pregnancy, delivery and even post-partum periods.”

Finley connects with patients starting with classes and events during pregnancy, including classes such as childbirth preparation, sibling class, grandparents class and infant massage, among others. Support continues after baby is born with Suite Beginnings – a complimentary program that brings personalized nursing care and education to new parents and their babies in the comfort of their own home. Any new moms who need assistance with breastfeeding have access to Finley’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or can attend a weekly support group. In addition, Finley leads a support group for pregnancy and post-partum adjustment for moms who are looking for help physically or mentally as they make the transition into motherhood.

Richardson adds, “Everyone always wonders what happened nine or ten months ago that led to a baby boom. We never really know an answer. We are glad families continue to choose Finley and are honored to share in such a significant moment in the lives of our patients.”

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About UnityPoint Health® Finley Hospital
UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital is a private, not-for-profit; community owned and controlled regional health care facility. Finley Hospital is a member of UnityPoint Health, one of the nation’s most integrated health systems in the Midwest and 13th largest nonprofit health care system in the United States. UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital is committed to providing programs and services to improve the health of individuals throughout Dubuque and Tri-States communities and works to deliver the Best Outcome Every Patient Every Time. Centers of excellence include cancer care, heart care, birth care, emergency care, surgery services, and wound and hyperbaric services.