Merit Health River Oaks Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Babies and Families in 2025
1/12/2026
FLOWOOD, MS - January 12, 2026 — Merit Health River Oaks is celebrating an extraordinary year in maternal and newborn care, marked by historic milestones that reflect the hospital’s deep commitment to caring for families across Rankin County and the greater Jackson area.
In 2025, 2,043 deliveries took place at Merit Health River Oaks, representing an increase of 43% over the previous year. Each birth tells a unique story, and together they represent thousands of moments filled with hope, anticipation, and new beginnings for local families.
“This growth speaks volumes about the confidence families place in our team,” said Dr. Greg Oden, chief medical officer. “Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s most meaningful experiences, and we’re honored that so many families choose to share that moment with us.”
In addition to a record number of deliveries, Merit Health River Oaks cared for 233 neonatal intensive care unit babies (NICU) during 2025. The number of NICU admissions surpassed a hospital record, and exceeded the previous year by 49%, underscoring the advanced level of care available for the region’s most vulnerable newborns.
“Our NICU team is prepared for everything from the unexpected to the extraordinary,” said Dr. Danny McCaughan, neonatal-perinatal medicine. “Behind every NICU admission is a family facing uncertainty, and our goal is to provide not only the highest level of medical care, but also reassurance, education, and support every step of the way.”
The year concluded with a moment few hospitals experience: the delivery of quadruplets, a rare and complex event that required seamless coordination among obstetric, neonatal, anesthesia and nursing teams. “Cases like this truly highlight the strength of our team,” said Dr. Lindsey Turner, the delivering physician. “From planning to delivery, every specialty worked together with one goal in mind, ensuring the safest possible outcome for both mother and babies. We are deeply grateful that this mother trusted us with such an extraordinary moment, and her strength and resilience were instrumental in giving these babies the strong start they deserve.”
“Deliveries like this showcase the strength of teamwork,” said Dr. Michelle Taheri, obstetrics and gynecology chair. “It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when highly skilled professionals and families work together with a shared purpose."
Hospital leaders emphasize that these accomplishments are the result of the dedication and compassion of physicians, nurses, and support staff who care for patients day and night, including holidays and weekends.
“Every role matters, from the providers at the bedside to the teams working behind the scenes,” said John Whiteside, CEO. “This year’s milestones belong to every team member who helped a family feel safe, supported, and cared for during one of the most important moments of their lives.”
As Merit Health River Oaks looks ahead, the focus remains on continued investment in women’s services, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that families across the region have access to exceptional care from pregnancy through delivery and beyond.
For more information about maternity and newborn services at Merit Health River Oaks, visit https://www.merithealthriveroaks.com/maternity-care-services.
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