Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East Welcomes First Baby of the New Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 2, 2023) – Thirty years after she herself was a New Year’s Day baby, Yvonne Benimana gave birth to the first baby born at the Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East on Sunday, Jan. 1, at 12:52 p.m. Benimana and Evariste Habinshuti from Lexington, welcomed Jemima. She weighed 6 lbs. and 13 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.

Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East partnered with local businesses to provide the parents with a gift basket for the first baby born in the new year. This year, the basket included essentials and special treats like a teddy bear and little red wagon for their new addition.

“There is something so special about the first baby of the new year, and we are proud to play a part in this arrival,” said Julie Harney, DNP, MSN, RN, market director of Women's Services, CHI Saint Joseph Health. “This is always one of our favorite announcements as we celebrate a new year with the arrival of a precious baby to officially kick off 2023. Having a New Year’s Day baby born on the same day as her mom makes it even more special. Congratulations to the proud parents!”

In 2022, Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East welcomed 1,764 babies.

For more information on maternity care services at The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East, call 859.967.5705, or visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/womens-hospital-services.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East

The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East is a 16-bed Level III NICU located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 2010, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a state-of-the-art hospital dedicated exclusively to the health and well-being of women. The facility features patient- and family-centered design and amenities.

###