The top names for babies born at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in 2021 were Henry, Ryder, Rylie/Rylee and Isla.
Four boys each were named Henry and Ryder. Names used three times for boys included Asher, Greyson, Hudson, Liam, Luke, Maverick, Oliver, Owen, Rhett and Theodore.
Four girls were named Rylie or Rylee. Three girls were named Isla.
Avera Queen of Peace Hospital welcomed 457 babies in 2021, down slightly from 482 in 2020.
“We had many happy moments in the Women’s Center this year, including when a record was broken in November as we had three sets of twins delivered in 11 days,” said Angie McCain, director of the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Women’s Center. “The month of November overall was busy, with 52 births in 2021 compared to 36 births in 2020.”
While it was a challenging year for all, McCain said there were some positive outcomes for new parents. For example, tightened visitation restrictions due to COVID-19 meant less visitors to the Women’s Center, but they allowed the parents more alone time with their babies.
“This resulted in increased bonding time for the parents with their newborns,” McCain said. “Nursing staff noticed an increase in skin to skin bonding, as well as an increase in successful breast feeding rates.”