Amarillo welcomes first babies of the new year

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
·2 min read

Local hospitals BSA Health System and North West Texas Healthcare System celebrated the births of the first babies of the new year.

The first baby of 2023 in the Amarillo area, Ren Thompson, was born at 1:04 a.m. on Jan. 1 to parents Tabitha and Russell Thompson at BSA hospital. She weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long. To celebrate the birth of their new baby girl, the parents received a congratulatory basket from BSA.

BSA welcomes the first baby of 2023, Ren Thompson, born Jan. 1 at 1:04 a.m. to parents Tabitha and Russell Thompson at BSA hospital.
BSA welcomes the first baby of 2023, Ren Thompson, born Jan. 1 at 1:04 a.m. to parents Tabitha and Russell Thompson at BSA hospital.
BSA welcomes the first baby of 2023, Ren Thompson, born Jan. 1 at 1:04 a.m. to parents Tabitha and Russell Thompson at BSA hospital.
BSA welcomes the first baby of 2023, Ren Thompson, born Jan. 1 at 1:04 a.m. to parents Tabitha and Russell Thompson at BSA hospital.

According to BSA, around 1,900 babies are born at BSA every year. To ensure a safe delivery for baby and mother, BSA provides single-room maternity care. Women go through labor, give birth, recover and receive postpartum care all within the single birthing suite.

In addition, BSA also offers childbirth education classes and lactation consultation to support the entire childbirth experience. For newborns who need highly specialized treatment, BSA has a designated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Northwest Texas Healthcare System celebrated its first baby of 2023 with the birth of Kareem Brown, born Jan. 1 at 7:23 a.m. Baby boy Kareem Brown was born at 6 pounds and 5 ounces to parents father Kendrick Brown and mother Arek Duang, who said she is excited to bring home the first baby of the new year at the hospital.

Northwest Texas Healthcare System celebrates the first baby of the New Year born at its facility with the birth of baby boy, Kareem Brown, born Jan. 1 at 7:23 a.m.
Northwest Texas Healthcare System celebrates the first baby of the New Year born at its facility with the birth of baby boy, Kareem Brown, born Jan. 1 at 7:23 a.m.
Northwest Texas Healthcare System celebrates the first baby of the New Year born at its facility with the birth of baby boy, Kareem Brown, born Jan. 1 at 7:23 a.m.
Northwest Texas Healthcare System celebrates the first baby of the New Year born at its facility with the birth of baby boy, Kareem Brown, born Jan. 1 at 7:23 a.m.

"I am very excited that he was here, he actually came early his due date was Jan. 20 so he was a pleasant surprise. I am just excited to spend the year watching him grow," said Duang.

Although baby Kareem Brown was born earlier than expected, mother and baby are saw a safe and healthy delivery. According to Duang, her son is the couple's first child, and the name Kareem was inspired by his father's name.

In celebration of the birth the family was given a gift basket containing new born goodies such as a onesie, mittens, socks, shampoo, body wash and conditioner.

The couple said they are excited to welcome their baby boy and are overjoyed starting 2023 with their son.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo welcomes first babies of the new year