CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — New Year’s Day began with much excitement in Ohio as Ohio State University Buckeye fans tuned in to watch their team compete in a college football national semifinal game. But for Sierra Newland and Paul Hammond of Chillicothe, the start of 2023 was spent at Adena Regional Medical Center preparing to welcome their first child.
At 9:44 a.m., New Year’s Day, Sierra gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Penelope Jean, who weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Penelope is Adena Health System’s first baby of 2023.
Sierra said her labor and delivery experience at Adena was “really great,” with the staff being “very responsive” to her needs. She said her pregnancy had been smooth overall and offered advice to other first-time mothers to “stay calm and trust what your body tells you.”
The new family spent the first day of Penelope’s life at the hospital with both sets of grandparents. As they look ahead to returning home, Sierra said they are excited to introduce Penelope to everyone and “just looking forward to spending time with her.” The Adena Women’s Board also presented the family with a gift basket as a celebration of the new year’s first baby born through spontaneous labor.