Cabinet Peaks welcome first baby of 2024

Jan. 9—Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is thrilled to announce the arrival of the first baby of 2024 — a charming baby boy named Kaelo Mafua, born to Jonathan Mafua and Brenna Paasch of Troy, Montana.

Kaelo made his debut at 9:50 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, under the care of Dr. Jana Hall.

Joining siblings Solomone and Elias, Kaelo brings joy to the family of proud grandparents Eileen and S. Tokomea Mafua and Colby and Paula Paasch.

Jonathan and Brenna express their happiness, stating "We are all very happy to bring a healthy and handsome BIG boy to the world to and celebrate the New Year with him!" Brenna said, "We feel so lucky, grateful, and special! I can't wait to show and tell Kaelo all about his delivery when he's older, especially since it was made so special by everyone! We loved our nurses, doctor, and everyone who contributed afterwards to make us feel so comfortable, and significant! We are so thankful for all the amazing gifts we received. We opened them when we got home and it felt like we were celebrating his birthday!"

Traditionally celebrated in South Lincoln County, the New Year's baby receives support from the community. Cabinet Peaks Medical Center provided a video baby monitor and essentials, while other businesses contributed to the festivities. The generosity includes a stroller from Cabinet Peaks Clinic Family Medicine, a swing/bouncer from Cabinet Peaks Clinic OB/GYN, a Rosauers gift card from Glacier Bank, and a baby bouncer from Libby Clinic.

CPMC feels all our families and their newest additions deserve to be celebrated. We have been able to connect with several community organizations to come together to support our families.

Each family is provided a "Welcome Basket" to help celebrate the blessing of their growing family. These baskets contain gifts such as a hand quilted blanket by our Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Auxiliary Team, crocheted infant hats made and donated with love by hospital and community members, and an 'I was born at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center' onesie.

CPMC also provides a Halo Sleep Sack that is supportive of our commitment to Safe Sleep and a reminder to families that infants sleeping on their back is best.

An outfit and sensory toy have been donated by Zero to Five of Lincoln County, a Health Safety Kit donated by the CARD Clinic, burp clothes by Libby Christian Church and bath blanket sets by local community groups are just a few of the wonderful items our families get to go home with. Each family is also sent home with a celebratory gift basket including a bottle of sparkling cider, a sweet treat to brighten their day, and the ingredients for an easy homemade pot of soup to alleviate some stress of their newly hectic schedule, graciously donated by our own CPMC Dietary Team.

The commitment to exceptional care is evident in the increasing number of babies delivered annually at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, reaching 103 births in 2023. "We pride ourselves in our Birthing Services and in our remarkable Delivery Team here at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center," stated Acute Care Manager, Kimberlee Rebo, "All of our Labor and Delivery rooms are completely private, offering a warm and intimate setting in which to bring new babies into the world and individualized care for this special time. We have an amazing team of providers, nurses and ancillary team members that work together to ensure we can provide the best care and experience possible for our families!"

For more information about the Birthing Services at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center or contributing to our Community Welcome Baskets for new families, please call Kimberlee Rebo at 406.283-7179 or email at krebo@cabinetpeaks.org.