In 2016, a record 539 babies were delivered at Pella Regional Health Center.

There were 279 boys and 260 girls. The heaviest baby was 10 pounds 12 ounces and the longest was 23 inches.

The most popular names for boys and for girls included Jaxson and Olivia.

This upcoming fall, Manager of Obstetrics Karen Westercamp says Pella Regional staff and physicians will be opening their new Family Birthing Center.

Plans for the new area include:
• More rooms for labor/delivery and postpartum — 7 labor rooms, 3 postpartum rooms and 2 triage rooms.
• Additional space in the nursery.
• Expanded nursing station and waiting areas

The first baby of 2017 has been born at the hospital, Pella Regional staff tells KNIA/KRLS.