News

Bitterroot Health Welcomes First Baby of 2025

HAMILTON, Montana – Bitterroot Health is thrilled to announce the arrival of the first baby born at its Birthing Center in 2025. Casey, the son of first-time parents Bryce and Megan, made his debut on January 14, 2025, marking a joyful milestone for the family and the hospital.

The couple, who traveled from Salmon, Idaho, shared their gratitude for the exceptional care they received at Bitterroot Health. Bryce and Megan expressed surprise and delight upon learning Casey was the New Year’s baby, given his mid-January arrival. “We were sure there had been another baby born by then,” Megan said. “When we walked into the hospital to deliver, Bryce jokingly said that we might be the first, and I said there was absolutely no way!”

The family was cared for by Amber Lavin, Bitterroot Health’s midwife, whose calm and professional presence made a lasting impression on the new parents. “Amber has a very calming presence, and I felt that I was in very good hands in her care,” Megan shared.

Amber Lavin also reflected on the labor and delivery of Casey, “I love being a midwife because I get to be part of an awesome team that helps bring a baby into the world. This birth was one of the best: mom and dad were fun, had a great sense of humor, and we have the best nurses.”

Despite the challenges of traveling frequently to Hamilton for prenatal care, the family felt deeply appreciative of the resources and care available at Bitterroot Health’s Birthing Center. “We felt so grateful and fortunate that there was the birthing center in Hamilton. I know that not everyone gets to deliver in a place as nice as Bitterroot Health, and we are lucky.”

The birth of Casey, who is now one week old, has brought excitement and adjustment for the family. “Lack of sleep will do that to ya!” Megan said with a laugh. “Although the sleep deprivation and life adjustment is definitely a challenge, he and I are both healthy and recovering well, and that’s what matters!”

Bitterroot Health’s award-winning Birthing Center continues to serve as a trusted resource for families and moms, offering high-quality, personalized care to help make moments like these even more special.

“As a midwife, I'm there for the duration of the labor, not just the delivery at the end, meaning I’m there for the hard, grueling parts as well as the amazing, beautiful, and sometimes hilarious moments. Delivering the first baby of 2025 at Bitterroot Health felt like I was hanging out with friends,” Lavin said.

For more information about midwifery services at Bitterroot Health, please visit bitterroothealth.org/midwifery and to learn about the Birthing Center, FREE childbirth classes open to the public, please visit: bitterroothealth.org/BirthingCenter