Moab Regional Hospital welcomed its first baby of 2026 on the morning of January 2: Baby Raul was born weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches long. He joins his proud mother, Josephina Ordaz Lopez, and two siblings.
New Year’s babies are considered special and honored with gifts at many hospitals, including at Moab Regional Hospital.
“It’s a celebration of life,” said Tiffany Butler of the OB team. “It’s also a reminder of why we do this work—supporting families through one of the most important moments of their lives.”
“The care from the nurses was excellent from the first day,” mother Josephina said. “Even though I don’t speak English, they did everything they could to help me understand so we could communicate during my appointments.”
At Moab Regional Hospital, the OB team supports parents from their first prenatal appointment through birth and recovery, supporting a range of delivery options. Families receive one-to-one nursing support during labor, with an OB nurse available 24 hours a day. The rural hospital has private birthing suites with warm meals.
“In 2025 alone, our team welcomed 74 babies, and each one received the same level of attention, respect, and individualized care. Our goal is to help families feel safe, heard, and confident every step of the way,” Butler said. “Many people are surprised by how personal and supportive birth can be at a small rural hospital.”
As Moab Regional Hospital celebrates Raul’s arrival, it also celebrates the families who choose to grow their families close to home—and the dedicated OB team that walks beside them with compassion, skill, and care, one baby and one family at a time.
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