UPDATE: New Year’s Eve 2025 turned into a remarkable celebration at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as six babies entered the world within just 12 hours. This surge of newborns, including the first baby of 2026, marks an extraordinary moment for the hospital’s Family Beginnings maternity ward.
The excitement kicked off on December 31, 2025, when families raced against the clock to welcome their little ones. “A lot of our patients were racing to get there,” said Melissa Thompson, a maternity nurse. The atmosphere was electric, with parents eager to celebrate the New Year with their newborns.
The first baby born in the Lewiston Tribune circulation area, Elias Lee Davis, made his debut at 1:38 a.m. on January 1, 2026, weighing 5 pounds and 13.5 ounces. Proud parents Alexis Barnette Ludwig and Jason Davis from Pomeroy celebrated this momentous occasion with family, including excited grandparents.
The second newborn arrived just 88 minutes later at 3:06 a.m., followed by a third at 5:32 a.m.. The race for the first baby of the New Year was tight, with the last baby of 2025 born at 11:44 p.m., just before the clock struck midnight. Additional babies born during this festive night included two more at 6:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. on December 31.
The hospital’s staff celebrated this joyful influx, posting on social media, “Welcome to the world, little ones—and thank you to our incredible Family Beginnings staff and providers! Delivering New Year’s babies. That’s why we’re here.”
Recently, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center was recognized as a “2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care” by U.S. News and World Report, highlighting its commitment to exceptional service. The hospital also earned the designation of a Maternity Care Access Hospital, acknowledging its essential role in providing maternity services to prevent healthcare deserts.
As the community revels in the joy of new life, the focus now shifts to the families of these newborns and the incredible journey ahead. The emotional impact of such joyous beginnings on this New Year’s Eve cannot be overstated, as these families embark on a new chapter together.
Stay tuned for more updates on these newborns and their families as they settle into their new lives.
