News

Iredell Health System is pleased to announce its first baby born in 2019 at Iredell Memorial Hospital, born at 5:47 am on New Year’s Day. Mother Alanis Ronda of Statesville and her baby boy Jhonatan Escobar Jr. are doing well.

Jhonatan was born 20 inches long weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces.

“I am so happy!” Ronda said. “I was so ready and excited to have him.”

Ronda and Jhonatan’s father, Jhonatan Escobar, were in their car as the clock struck midnight, saying, “Happy New Year!” together on the way to the hospital.

“Iredell is my hospital,” Ronda said. “The nurses were all great with me, and I have always been well taken care of when here.”

Jhonatan is Ronda’s second child. She also gave birth to her first child at Iredell Memorial Hospital’s The Birth Place.

“And whenever I have another one, I’ll be coming right back to this hospital,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the first baby of 2019,” said Sharon Johnson, Director of The Birth Place. “This is a special time for mother and family, and we make sure to fill it with the most precious of memories for them.”

The Birth Place at Iredell Memorial is a state-of-the-art maternity facility offering one-on-one nursing and private, welcoming suites. Every mother receives perks through the Pampered Pregnancy program, including discounts at local businesses and a personal pregnancy coach.

Staff and family celebrated the first baby of the year at The Birth Place with a cake and balloons, as well as other gifts. The mother also received a basket filled with gifts donated by local businesses.

Gifts included:
• A $25 gift card to Southern Charmers Country Store (Debbie Lloyd Estrada)
• A $25 gift card to Kim Taylor Arts for ceramic plate with baby’s footprints (Kim Taylor)
• A $50 gift card to Young Living Essential Oils (Amy Cummings)
• A $20 gift card to Younique (Denise Jones)
• A $50 gift card to Murphy’s Memories Photography (Amy Murphy)
• 1 pair of LulaRoe leggings from LulaRoe (Lindsay Skidmore)
• An $80, 30-day unlimited yoga package to Yoga Loft Statesville (Shay Antunez)
• A $20 gift card to Origami Owl (Elizabeth Thies)
• A $10 gift card to Premier Designs Jewelry (Jessica Graham)
• A $30, 16 oz. jar of Elderberry syrup from Elderberry Syrup Lady for mom and coupon for baby’s jar at six months
• A bamboo pillow for mom from Southern Clothing & More (Lisa Rogers)
• A $10 gift card to McDonald’s (Melissa Neader)
• A $65, 1-hour massage for mom from Statesville Massage (Dusty Medlin)
• A basket of pampering items for mom and soft teddy bear for baby from Four Seasons Florist (Rhonda Fisher)
• A ceramic piggy bank from Johnson's Greenhouses (Cheryl Matthews)
• A fresh cut floral arrangement from Kathryn’s Designs (Kathryn Holland)
• Mary Kay products from Mary Kay Cosmetics (Anna-Lisa Goodman)