ICYMI: Labor and Delivery’s celebration of 1,990 baby births

On Monday, Oct. 13, leadership recognized Labor and Delivery welcoming 1,990 babies – the most since 2010.

The event served as an opportunity to thank all teams involved for their exceptional work and commitment to providing the highest quality care for UC Davis Health patients and their families.

The celebration included opening remarks from Gary Leiserowitz, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Leiserowitz spoke about the community’s trust in UC Davis Health as well as what it means for the organization when its own employees choose to give birth here.

“Employees recognize the care they can receive here, and this is where they want to have their kids,” he said. “That’s the biggest compliment you can have.”

Brenda Chagolla, associate chief nursing officer, noted that despite the quantity of babies being born, the staff continued to provide the highest level of care.

“Not only has the volume gone up, but the quality has remained amazing,” she said.

Christine Williams is the chief nursing executive and the chief nursing informatics officer. She pointed out that over the past year, she has seen multiple recognitions – from patients and peer to peer – in Labor and Delivery.

“I want to emphasize the recognitions and the teamwork,” she said. “And the opportunity to be part of such special moments for our patients and staff. It has been incredible to witness.”

Satyanarayana Lakshminrusimha, pediatrician-in-chief, and Michael Condrin, interim chief executive officer, also provided remarks.

Notably, Williams pointed out that 21 UC Davis Health nurses gave birth at the hospital last fiscal year. That number does not include residents and non-medical center staff.

Afterward, participants celebrated with cookies, balloons, and take-home tote bags.