The stork made a special delivery at the new Northwest Health – La Porte hospital on Tuesday, October 27 as staff and family welcomed the first baby born in the brand new facility. The happy parents are Justice Reed and Deon Dudley of Michigan City. Their precious baby girl, Milana, was born at 2:48 a.m. weighing in at 7 pounds 9 ounces. The birth was especially exciting for mom and dad because they chose to wait and discover the baby’s gender at the delivery. Dr. Julius Ellis, Obstetrician/Gynecologist delivered the baby and his exclamation of “It’s a girl!” was smiles and tears of joy. Milana joins four older brothers and one older sister. Three of her siblings were born at the old La Porte Hospital and Justice noticed the difference in the rooms at the new facility. “The rooms here are huge and that was really nice for us” she said. Ashley Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, said patients’ comfort, such as large birthing suites is one of the many benefits of the new facility. “The larger birthing suites allow our staff the space to be even more family centered here. Dr. Ellis, who delivered Milana, along with our other obstetricians and certified nurse midwives did a great job in helping us design our new Birthing & Family Care Center.” For Justice and Deon, bringing another life into the family is certainly a big event, and for staff at the hospital, the first birth is a milestone in the hospital’s lifespan as well. Justice and Deon received a special gift basket from Northwest Health as a special congratulations and to mark this milestone.