RUMFORD – Thirteen more babies were born at Rumford Hospital in the budget year 2004 than in the previous year.

“We’ve had a tremendous positive response to all that we offer in the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center,” said Becky Hall, nurse manager. “And we keep adding more services each year.”

In addition to OB/GYN Dr. Gary Baldwin, several family physicians who deliver babies and Certified Nurse Midwife Daisy Goodman, the center is recognized for its family-centered nursing staff.

The array of programs, including a tub for labor and birthing, hypnobirthing classes, sibling classes and parties and special dinners for new parents, has also attracted mothers and families.

Many women choose Centering Pregnancy, a group prenatal care option in which several moms whose due dates are close together and their support people meet with the doctors and nurse midwife as a group.

“We’ve also refurbished the whole birthing center,” said Hall, “and we recently hung 20 Geddes photographs – the ones of babies with flowers and other natural materials.” The photographs not only provide interest on the center’s walls but also add a sweet and calming affect to the rooms, she said. “We’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them,” Hall added.

To learn more about the center and its services, people should call 369-1094.