Imagine a busy hospital in Wisconsin, where every day seems like a baby shower! In 2024, Gundersen Health System saw a record-breaking 1, 840 births. Among them was little Sophie, who arrived just after Christmas, making the Van Auken family even busier during the holidays.

"It’s been hectic but totally worth it, " says mom Courtney. Dad Kurt chimes in, "With two other kids at home, we had a lot on our plates, but seeing Sophie made it all worthwhile. "

Gundersen's team took pride in their achievement, crediting the growth to better education and care for their labor and delivery nurses. They also highlighted their unique services, like a maternal-fetal medicine clinic and the only local NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) around. Amy Frauenkron, the clinical operations director, explains, "Parents want the best for their babies, especially if they're high-risk. We provide that security. "

Halle Brand, a labor and delivery nurse, gleefully shared, "Every day feels like a party! We’re thrilled families trust us with their precious moments. " The previous record at Gundersen was 1, 776 births in 2021, showing steady growth in their birthing services.

Despite the overwhelm, Gundersen's team feels grateful and hopeful for the future. Frauenkron adds, "The community's trust means the world to us. We’ll keep working hard to meet their needs. "

Boom in Births: A Year to Remember at Gundersen

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