Special to IFN
Joseph Jenkins made his appearance as the first baby of the new year at Iredell Memorial Hospital on January 1. The precious baby boy arrived at 9:49 p.m., weighing 7 pounds and 13 ounces.
Parents Shelbie Browne and Craig Jenkins were surprised when they found out he was the first 2026 baby delivered on The Birth Place.
“I was shocked that we had the first baby because it was so late in the evening,” said Browne.
Baby Jenkins was not due to arrive until January 13, making his arrival a sweet surprise to ring in the new year.
The new parents were showered with an array of gifts including:
• A gift certificate from Little Pigs Barbecue;
• A floral bouquet from Brookdale Flowers and Gifts;
• A beautifully decorated cake from Ingles Market on Sullivan Road;
• Young Living baby wash, wipes, and lotion from Pam Speight;
• Mary Kay lotion and skin care products from Keisha Galliher;
• A stuffed lion, blankets, candy for mom, and other baby items from Rhea Lamb and Kathy Cook; and
• A $50 VISA gift card, diapers, wipes, and basket from The Birth Place
Pam Speight, The Birth Place Program Nurse, said “We are blessed to be part of one of the most special times in the lives of our families on The Birth Place.”
The family is excited to bring Joseph home to meet his older siblings.
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. In addition, The Birth Places seeks to create a comforting atmosphere for patients with its home décor, comfortable furniture for visitors, and large, private bath.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.