Harris Regional Hospital’s New Generations Family Birthing Center reached a major milestone this month with the delivery of its 600th baby of the year, underscoring its role as a leading provider of maternity care for families in western North Carolina.

The milestone birth was especially meaningful for Sydney Conley, a sixth-grade math teacher at Cullowhee Valley School, who returned to New Generations to deliver her second child, Kase. She delivered her first baby at the center and said the decision to return was rooted in trust and familiarity.

“This season of life has been incredibly sweet for our family,” Conley said. “There wasn’t a single staff member who didn’t make me feel cared for. When it came time to have our second baby, I knew exactly where I wanted to be.”

Conley said being supported by a close-knit team of caregivers, many of whom live and work in the same community, made the experience especially meaningful.

“You’re not just a patient here,” she said. “You’re part of a community that truly wants the best for you.”

Reaching 600 births this year highlights the importance of maintaining access to maternity care close to home for families across western North Carolina.

“Our birthing center is built on decades of service to community members like Sydney and her family,” said Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Savannah Hicks Baylon, MSN, RN. “Many members of our team have spent years and even entire careers caring for families here. Reaching this milestone reflects the skill, teamwork and heart that define this unit and the trust families place in us.”

New Generations Family Birthing Center offers maternity services supported by a Level II Special Care Nursery with neonatal capabilities, including care for babies born as early as 32 weeks gestation. Families benefit from 24/7 in-house obstetric coverage, personalized birth plans, breastfeeding and lactation support, and care from board-certified OB/GYNs, certified nurse midwives, and nurses trained in neonatal resuscitation and fetal monitoring.

Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Harris Regional Hospital, said the milestone highlights both the hospital’s legacy and its continued role as a regional leader in women’s and children’s care.

“This milestone reflects a proud legacy of care that families have relied on for generations,” Hindman said. “Reaching 600 births this year underscores the expertise of our team and our commitment to ensuring families can receive exceptional care close to home.”