First Baby at Swedish Medical Center Arrives Shortly After Midnight on New Year's Day

SEATTLE, Jan. 3, 2006 – Swedish Medical Center's first baby of 2006 was born shortly after midnight at 12:17 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2006. Hailey Elizabeth Vaughey made her early morning arrival at Swedish Medical Center/First Hill Campus, weighing in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce and 18 inches long.

Having their first baby so early in the new year was an unexpected blessing, according to Hailey's parents, Brooke and Andrew Vaughey of the Alki neighborhood in West Seattle. Their daughter was originally due Jan. 22, but came early after doctors decided to induce labor for medical reasons on Dec. 30. "Things were a little slow at first, but everything went well," said Brooke, who had been on bed rest since mid-October.

"We thought Hailey would be born on New Year's Eve. so when we realized what time it was after she was born, we had our own little celebration in our room, including a little non-alcoholic bubbly," she said. "It was wonderful."

The Vaugheys praised the physicians and nursing staff at Swedish. "We really like Swedish. Everyone was very helpful and the room was great," Brooke said. "I switched insurance (coverage) just to come here."

Brooke and Andrew brought Hailey home on Jan. 3.

For having the first baby at the medical center, the Vaugheys received a number of gifts from Swedish and a special gift basket from Babies R Us.

Since 1910, Swedish has had the privilege of helping to usher thousands of babies into the world. In 2005, more than 7,200 babies were born between Swedish's First Hill and Ballard campuses. In fact, more babies are born at Swedish than at any other medical center in the Northwest.

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