It is impossible to know when babies will be born, so staff at the recently opened Birthplace in Susquehanna Tower knew there was a possibility their official opening would be met with some unplanned cries.
A very pregnant Danielle Moyer arrived at Williamsport Regional Medical Center around 1 a.m. last Wednesday, 7 1/2 hours before The Birthplace moved into its new location in the Susquehanna Tower.
At 8:30 a.m., the new maternity ward opened. Almost 12 hours later, its first baby was born in the facility.
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MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette
Michael and Danielle Moyer, of Muncy, hold Bryson James, the first baby born at Williamsport Regional Hospital’s new Birthplace.
Brysen James Moyer was born to Danielle and Michael Moyer at 8:26 p.m., weighing in at 6 pounds and measuring 18 inches.
Staff at the new center stayed busy transporting Danielle, in addition to a woman who gave birth at 7:15 that morning, and six post-partum babies and new mothers.
Yet despite the many moves, it remained relatively calm because of the planning that had gone into the opening, said Patsy Miller, director of mother/baby/child.
"It's kind of like moving into a new house," said Juliann Gombosi, staff nurse.
What helped move an entire maternity ward to another place were the lists of Miller and Gombosi, who marked which patients were being transported where and even who would open the doors for them.
Portions of Susquehanna Tower opened throughout the spring, starting in mid-March. The Birthplace is the most recent opening in the tower.
Brysen is the second baby for the Moyers. He will be joining his 2-year-old sister, Adelynn.
"She loves him," Danielle said.
"He doesn't cry too much." she added. "He seems pretty content. He loves to be held."
"He loves to be held," Michael repeated.
While Danielle was in no rush, she said those around her were encouraging her to have the first baby born there.
Danielle gave birth to Adelynn in the former maternity ward, so she could see the differences between the two.
"It's stuff to make you comfortable," she said.
Those comforts include a bigger television set, a remote control built into the bed and a nutritional kitchen area.
