First baby born at NGMC-Habersham

A historic moment was celebrated on July 3, when the first baby was born at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Habersham. Weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces, Maddie Kate Littrell was delivered at 10:38 a.m. to parents Katy and David Littrell of Tiger.

Just three short days after Habersham Medical Center joined Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), Dr. Thomas Hatchett delivered Maddie by cesarean section.

“Maddie’s birth was a very special moment not just for her family but also for all of us at NGMC Habersham,” Hatchett said. “Habersham Medical Center has cared for this community and those in the surrounding area for 70 years, and I’m proud to be a part of this new chapter. Katy and Maddie are just two of many patients who will benefit from the support NGHS has committed to NGMC Habersham.”

Seven years ago, Katy delivered her son at Habersham Medical Center. Despite the need to transfer him to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at NGMC Gainesville, Katy knew she wanted to return to the hospital in Habersham for delivery this time.

“Several people asked me why I wasn’t going to deliver in Gainesville, but I was adamant that I wanted to be close to home and deliver in Habersham,” Katy said. “I didn’t want to be an hour away and I wanted to be somewhere familiar. Dr. Hatchett and his midwife, Brittney Baron, reassured me that the transition to NGHS wouldn’t change the fact that they had a great deal of experience and would take excellent care of me, so we scheduled the C-section for this Monday. Thankfully, we didn’t need the NICU this time.”

Having previously been a nurse at Habersham Medical Center, Katy could tell a difference in the atmosphere at NGMC Habersham.

“The staff were so very attentive,” Katy said. “They remembered that my first delivery was not easy and took extra care every step along the way, making sure that I knew the change was ‘just a computer system change’ for them. It was a wonderful experience and I’m so glad we have such a great hospital nearby.”