COUDERSPORT, Pa., May 12, 2023 – While they cannot walk yet, newborns at UPMC Magee-Womens labor and delivery units in north central Pennsylvania are already “running” laps around their moms’ hearts to just in time for Mother’s Day. Staff cheered on moms and babies as they crossed the finish line of delivery at the start of life.

“Women often refer to labor as a marathon, and crossing the finish line at delivery is an emotional whirlwind for moms knowing that at that same moment, their newborn’s race has only just begun,” said Katelyn Fowler, unit director, UPMC Magee-Womens in North Central Pa. “This year’s theme for our Mother’s Day newborns, ‘Running Laps Around Mom’s Heart,’ is a fun play on words for how loved these little ones are from day one. No matter the race they run, they’re all winners in our eyes and our staff really enjoy these fun celebrations.”

In recognition of Mother’s Day, babies born at UPMC hospitals in north central Pennsylvania each received a set of handmade “sneakers” donated by Jane Wynn, leader of the Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church Prayer Shawl Ministry, and a special UPMC Magee-Womens onesie.