First Floyd County Medical Center baby of 2025 born Jan. 1

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The first new baby of 2025 at the Floyd County Medical Center Birth Center decided to come into the world on New Year’s Day.

Ila May Kueter was born at 2:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Parents are Samantha and Justin Kueter of Floyd. Grandparents are Matt and Wendy Ross of Charles City and Tim and June Kueter of Charles City.

Ila May weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz., and was 21 inches long at birth, according to information provided by the Medical Center.

Kathy Waldorf, president of the Floyd County Medical Center Auxiliary, presented a gift bag from the Auxiliary to the parents of the first baby of the year.

Ila May was delivered by Certified Nurse Midwife Danielle Wadsworth, ARNP, and Dr. Angela VanGilder, D.O.

The Floyd County Medical Center recently announced its midwifery practice was awarded the 2023 Best Practices – “Triple Aim” Achievement by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Out of 170 practices participating in the 2023 ACNM Benchmarking Project, 39 practices were designated “Triple Aim” Best Practices.

According to ACNM, “Triple Aim” Best Practice recognizes practices which meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement “Triple Aim” of improving the patient experience, reducing cost of care and improving the health of populations.

This is demonstrated by high breastfeeding rates, low preterm birth and cesarean rates and reporting fiscal variables.

The Floyd County Medical Center midwifery program, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics nurse-midwifery service and With Women Midwifery of West Des Moines were the only three Iowa programs recognized.

FCMC previously won the recognition in 2020 and 2021.

“We are extremely proud of our midwifery team – Judi Halbach, ARNP, CNM and Danielle Wadsworth, ARNP, CNM – and their incredible work in our birth center,” said Dawnett Willis, chief executive officer at FCMC.

“The 2023 Best Practice – Triple Aim Achievement clearly demonstrates the professionalism and expertise of our midwives, and we have full confidence that they will continue to deliver exceptional, personalized health care with compassion to our mothers and babies,” Willis said.