URGENT UPDATE: A remarkable New Year’s celebration unfolded at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as a record-breaking six babies were born within just 12 hours during the early hours of January 1, 2026. The festive atmosphere in the maternity ward was palpable as parents rushed in, eager to welcome their little ones just after midnight.
“It was a very busy night, a very wonderful night,” said Melissa Thompson, a nurse on duty. Expectant families were well aware of the impending new year, with many arriving in a race against time. “A lot of our patients, they were racing to get there,” Thompson added, highlighting the excitement surrounding the births.
The first baby of the new year, Elias Lee Davis, made his grand entrance at 1:38 a.m., weighing 5 pounds and 13.5 ounces. His parents, Alexis Barnette Ludwig and Jason Davis from Pomeroy, celebrated this special moment with family, including proud grandparents Mary Davis, Tami Hansen, Melissa Gray, Tonnie Ludwig, and Marvin Ludwig.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The second baby of 2026 arrived at 3:06 a.m., followed by the third at 5:32 a.m. The hospital experienced a thrilling competition for the title of the first baby of the new year, with the last baby born in 2025 arriving just prior at 11:44 p.m. on December 31. Other New Year’s Eve babies were born at 6:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m., showcasing an extraordinary night of new beginnings.
In a celebratory Facebook post, the hospital welcomed the newborns, stating, “Welcome to the world, little ones—and thank you to our incredible Family Beginnings staff and providers! Delivering New Year’s babies. That’s why we’re here.”
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center has recently been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care.” This accolade emphasizes the hospital’s dedication to providing essential maternity services to the community. The hospital was also designated as a Maternity Care Access Hospital, a recognition awarded to only 147 essential hospitals nationwide.
The joyous occasion also included other newborns: Charlie Douglas Miller, born to Hannah Barnes and Jordan Miller; Debbie Danielle Dawson, born to Kasey Bond and Noah Dawson; Tate Jeffrey Lunceford, born to Hope and Leighton Lunceford; Evelynne Jean Morgan, born to Meg and Tim Morgan; and Gradi Ann Lynch, born to Molly and Matthew Lynch.
As these families celebrate new beginnings, the hospital continues to emphasize its commitment to maternity care, ensuring that vital services remain available to the community. This New Year’s event not only marks the arrival of new life but also highlights the importance of accessible maternity services for families in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on this heartwarming story as we report on the journeys of these newborns and their families!
