Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), which is part of Central Maine Healthcare, welcomed its first baby of 2024 into the world on New Year’s Day at 9:30 a.m.
Eleanor Louise Champlin weighed six pounds, eight ounces at birth and was 18.25 inches long.
Her mother, Markie Casagrande, is a Central Maine Healthcare team member and works as a registered nurse team lead in the Bridgton Hospital operating room. In the past, she has helped mothers with cesarean section deliveries.
“Much of my patient care time was working with expectant mothers in situations requiring C-sections,” Casagrande said. “So, it was so different being on this side of the curtain!”
Eleanor was one of three babies who were born at CMMC on New Year’s Day. The hospital delivered a total of 867 babies in 2023.
Markie and the baby’s father, Jack Champlin, were expecting Eleanor to be born in late January, so the New Year’s arrival was a big surprise for both of them. This is their first child, and they both described the experience as “amazing.”
In addition to having the distinction of being CMMC’s first baby of 2024, Eleanor is also the first honorary member of Dr. Eddy’s Clubhouse. The Clubhouse was recently established to thank community members for their support of the Dr. Eddy Comfort and Support Program which seeks donations of stuffed animals to give to children in the Emergency Department, Central Maine Healthcare Pediatrics practice, or anywhere an extra cuddle is needed. Dr. Eddy is the official mascot of Central Maine Healthcare.
When a baby is born at CMMC, a chime that is heard around the hospital is played to share the good news.
“Every baby who is born here at CMMC brings tremendous joy to not only the parents, but to all of us,” said Rebecca Brakeley, Chief of Women’s and Children’s Health, Central Maine Healthcare. “What a great way to start 2024!”
CMMC has been recognized as “High Performing in Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital also maintains a “Baby-Friendly” designation from Baby-Friendly USA for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care.