Overland Park, KS – Tears of joy, baby cries, diapers, breastfeeding, basinets, cribs and cooing are just some of the touching hallmarks of the birth of babies. Then there is the singing of songs to the new bundle of joy, familiar songs passed along through generations — like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
For the first time in Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s 44-year history of delivering babies – and more than 100,000 babies later — now the birth of a baby is announced over the hospital’s overhead system with the Lullaby Chime.
This simple, yet meaningful and emotional gesture adds to the bliss of the mothers and fathers and their families and friends, while delivering good cheer to patients, visitors and hospital staff members. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is activated by the mother – or someone she designates – by pushing a button as she’s leaving labor and delivery unit, headed to her postpartum room.
“As we celebrate nearly 2,500 babies delivered at Overland Park Regional Medical Center so far this year, it is an exciting time to implement a new kind of birth announcement — one designed to inspire a spirit of hope, optimism, encouragement and wellness for our patients, their family and friends as well as our staff and visitors,” says Overland Park Regional Medical Center president and CEO Matt Sogard, FACHE. “This simple, meaningful touch complements our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to mothers and their babies, while inviting all patients and staff members to join in the celebration that a new life has begun.”
Demetra “Deme” Smith of Olathe, KS, is mom to two boys, both born at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Smith was admitted to the hospital on Monday, Nov. 7, and soon thereafter Noah Jacob was born, weighing 9 lbs. 1 oz.
“When we arrived, my nurse shared with us how the new Lullaby Chime worked, so when I was transferred to the mother and baby unit, they gave me the opportunity to push the lullaby button.Suddenly, I hear this sweet “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” chime overhead,” Smith says.“It’s emotional – it’s just cute to hear it — and we heard it 11 times — as that’s how many babies born were born yesterday! No one likes being in the hospital, but hearing those chimes is meaningful, and reminds us that a new life has come into this world. And hearing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” makes it even more special.”
“We are so thankful to have been a part of a celebration of life,” says new mom Ash Saulnier. “We were thrilled to welcome our new son Isaac Samuel into the world and incorporating others into that celebration by pressing the lullaby button. Hearing the button pressed was such an encouragement to know others share in the same love and support. Thank you for including a reminder of the miracle and celebration of new life.”
Overland Park Regional Medical Center is part of HCA Midwest Health, the area’s largest healthcare system, delivering more babies than any other health system in the region.The hospital is home to Johnson County’s