Last modified Wed., January 06, 2010 - 03:16 PM
Originally created Thursday, January 7, 2010

NH Jax welcomes first baby of 2010

By Loren Barnes, NH Jax Public Affairs

Photo by HM1(SW) Michael Morgan
NH Jax Executive Officer Capt. Jennifer Vedral-Baron (right) presents new mom Kerkrecha and dad Dwayne West a certificate recognizing Dwayne Ernest West Jr. (in dad's arms) as the first baby born at NH Jax in 2010. Left of mom are the baby's siblings, Jhanae and Earl.

At 5:21 a.m. Jan 1, Dwayne Ernest West Jr. was born to proud mom Kerkrecha and father Dwayne at Naval Hospital Jacksonville - weighing in at 7 pounds, 8.5 ounces and measuring 20 inches.

The infant is the third child born to Kerkrecha. Siblings Jhanae and Earl Glover were on hand when Nsval Hospital Jax Executive Officer Capt. Jennifer Vedral-Baron presented mom and dad a certificate recognizing Dwayne Jr. as the hospital's first baby of the New Year.

Delivering the baby was Resident Lt. Theodore Demetriou. The mother's pregnancy was followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Cmdr. Ruth Duda. Excellent care was provided throughout the mom and baby's hospital stay by the Maternal Infant Unit and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn) staff and will continue with well baby visits.

Photo by HM1(SW) Michael Morgan
Dwayne Ernest West Jr. NH Jax's first baby born in 2010.

Excellent support is available to both first time and experienced parents at Naval Hospital Jax in all stages of pregnancy and post-partum care including classes, parent and baby support groups and information on the hospital's Internet page www.navalhospitaljax.med.navy.mil.

Expectant parents can also call (904) 542 (BABY) to learn about the hospital's programs.

Bearing gifts for the newborn was Oakleaf Spouse's Club President Laina Bell and her husband, Cmdr. Kenneth Bell, of the Branch Health Clinic at the Naval Hospital Jax Wellness Center.

Bell said, "Rather than a gift card, we decided to set a basket on our front porch and put out the word by e-mail to members to drop off what they could."

Additionally, the NAS Jax Navy Exchange provided a basket of goodies for the baby as well as an NEX Gift Card. And, as always, the first baby of the year got his first "Seabag" from the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society filled with items the baby will need, including a beautifully crocheted blanket.