10,000th baby born at MCDH

12/15/06

MCDH's 10,000th baby, Katan, with parents Erica Zissa and Tom Sosnovec.

Mendocino Coast District Hospital recently celebrated a landmark event: the birth of the 10,000th baby born at MCDH!  Born to parents Erica Zissa and Tom Sosnovec on December 10, 2006, baby Katan Milan Sosnovec arrived at 7:25 pm, weighing in at 5 pounds 7.8 ounces, and measuring 18.5 inches in length.

Moved by his experience of becoming a father, Tom wrote the following letter to share with everyone:

         “My partner and I needed to be in a hospital to deliver our baby.  There was concern for the mother’s health – it was necessary in our case to induce labor.  We wouldn’t have caught the early signs without regular visits to the clinic; we certainly would not have made it through so smoothly without the guidance of Dr. Brent Wright and the numerous members of the nursing staff. I can’t imagine being more appreciative having been delivered a healthy baby boy, as well as his mother.

         I am also very grateful for the manner in which I, as the father, was allowed and encouraged to participate in the delivery.  Erica and I were scheduled to take a class to prepare us for the big day, but given the circumstances, we missed the class for the real thing.  My earnest questions of “What do we do?” were answered calmly and professionally.  Though very excited, my anxiety was minimal, as I was able to closely assist my partner through the entire procedure.  Erica was empowered to choose who was present during the birth, so the arrival of our son was joined by several encouraging family members.

         This being my first child, I have nothing to compare the experience. My mother spoke of the isolated hospital environments and the unfriendly lack of human contact and expression she experienced in her day. However, my experience at MCDH was always friendly, safe and real.

         I took several short walks to the cafeteria during the few days I was in the hospital – I didn’t expect to see so many friends and acquaintances working here! All of these old friends of mine asked me what I was doing – let me tell you, that’s the best question to ask a new father.  Great community here. Also worth mentioning: I worked in fine restaurants for many years, and I was impressed by the quality of the hot food coming from the cafeteria kitchen.

         Thank you MCDH very, very much.

         Sincerely, Tom Sosnovec”

Following the delivery of Katan, MCDH staff presented the lucky family with a gift basket containing a quilt and receiving blanket made by Auxiliary volunteer Ella Stewart and donated by the MCDH Auxiliary; a receiving blanket and matching hat and bib embroidered with “10,000th baby at MCDH” and donated by Gin Kremen of Broken Leg Sports (inside Sew-n-Sew Fabrics); and several baby “essentials” donated by Safeway, Racine’s, Creation Station, Cheshire Books, and “A Woman’s Friend” Care Center.  An ice cream cake was provided by Cowlick’s Ice Cream, and for the new mom and dad one night in a fireplace suite was donated by Holiday Inn Express.

MCDH opened its doors in 1971, and has always maintained a full-service obstetrics department.  It took 35 and one-half years for 10,000 babies to be born here.   Congratulations to the Zissa and Sosnovec families, and thank you to our generous gift donors for helping MCDH celebrate this milestone of welcoming our 10,000th baby into the world.

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