January 15, 2010

If the record-setting number of births at Mercy Medical Center–Des Moines in 2009 is any indication, the 2014 and 2015 kindergarten classes in central Iowa could be at capacity. For the fourth year in a row, Mercy set a record for the number of births at a single hospital in Iowa, with 5,066 babies being welcomed into the world–118 more than the previous record in 2008. A breakdown of the record-setting year includes:

• 133 sets of twins, nine sets of triplets and one set of quadruplets
• Jackson was the most popular boys’ name; Emma was the most popular girls’

“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing patients and their family members with a new baby. The steady volume of deliveries and the record-setting increase in births signal strong continued community support and endorsement of the quality of care provided in our world-class facilities,” says Jackie Frost-Kunnen, senior vice president of hospital operations. “Each of our highly skilled nurses and compassionate physicians are committed to creating the best experience possible for every patient. We deeply value the trust they place in us during their birthing experience.”

Designed to provide state-of-the-art technology to mothers, babies and families throughout the birthing and post-partum experience, Mercy’s Women & Infants' Center consists of the Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, specialized Maternity Triage & Treatment Unit, a Birthing Unit and a Mother/Baby Unit with a well-baby nursery. Mercy Medical Center - West Lakes is an alternative birthing location for low-risk moms expecting a full-term delivery.