Riverton Hospital’s labor and delivery staff wrap-up December’s newborn babies in specially sewn Christmas stockings—before handing them to new moms

“A lot of moms in the Riverton area must have asked Santa for a baby this year, because we’ve already delivered 123 babies this month,” says Lori Copling, nurse manager in labor and delivery at Riverton Hospital. “We expect to deliver about 200 in December, and our employees wanted each new mom to have one, so they have sewn 200 baby stockings to give away.”

For the last seven years, employees at Riverton Hospital have volunteered their time and skills to help cut and sew the oversized stockings. They even enlist help from their families. Betsy Schreiner, RN, is the head elf, and she organized the team of 11 elves who made the stockings this year.

“The stockings are a really fun gift to give – one that moms remember forever,” says Betsy. “Even when it’s not Christmas, labor and delivery nurses believe their job is magical and this is a way to pass along the magic.” And then she adds, “What better gift is there than a newborn baby to hold in your arms at Christmas?”

Media are invited to the hospital's labor and delivery unit to talk with the "elves" and new moms as their bundles of joy are delivered in Christmas stockings.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 11 to 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Riverton Hospital
3741 W. 12600 S.
Riverton, Utah