HERMISTON, Ore.-Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) officially welcomed the first baby of 2026 on January 3rd.
The 8 pound, 4.6 ounce baby girl born to Kylie Warstler and John John Withers, of Hermiston, was delivered by OB/GYN Alexis Tuck, MD, who was assisted by GSHCS Family Birth Center (FBC) nursing staff.
Warstler’s due date was December 30, however, she went into labor around noon on January 2nd and delivered their baby at 11:18 a.m. on January 3rd.
“She just didn’t want to come for about twenty-four hours,” said Warstler, who admitted that the first day with the new baby was easier than she thought it would be. “So far it’s been pretty easy, she’s been a really calm baby.”
The baby girl, named Aria Mae Withers, is the first child for Warstler and Withers.
“I was actually looking at baby names on Google and found Aria,” said Withers. “We wanted something that was unique, but not too unique.”
To commemorate the first baby of 2026, the GSHCS Family Birth Center gifted the young family a crib filled with baby supplies.
“We always love to welcome new babies,” said Cherie Wilson, Nurse Manager of the GSHCS Family Birth Center, with 35 years of nursing experience. “It’s always special when the first baby of the year is born. It sets the tone for the year, and we’re excited for the family.”
The GSHCS Family Birth Center features individual birthing suites designed with the comfort of mothers and babies in mind that include a jacuzzi soaking tub, a couch, and a rocking chair. The Family Birth Center also includes a dedicated C-section suite and offers lactation consulting appointments, as well as free birth classes.
“We felt pretty special,” said Warstler, of her experience at the GSHCS Family Birth Center. “We really enjoyed the nurses, they definitely knew what they were doing to get me through 23 hours of labor, and we loved Dr. Tuck, she was great.”
New Year’s is a time of new beginnings and resolutions, and with the new addition to their family, Warstler and Withers are looking forward to 2026.
“We hope that she can thrive and fly through all her milestones this year, but not too fast,” said Warstler.
More information on the GSHCS Family Birth Center is available online or by calling 541.667.3670.
