(January 02, 2013) Sellersville, PA – Shane Patrick Balch, Jr. is the first baby of 2013 born at Grand View Hospital just 11 minutes into the new year. He weighed in at five pounds and 13 ounces and is 18 inches long. The beaming new dad, Shane Balch, works at Asher’s Chocolates. He and his wife Jessica were not expecting a January 1 birthday. The due date was actually January 20th. “We had a planned C-section for January fourth as this was a high-risk pregnancy. So this was a bit of surprise when her water broke on New Year’s Eve.” He added, “We were glad to hold off until 2013. It’s good to make it to the New Year – everything’s fresh and new.” Little Shane’s big brothers were outfitted in matching shirts, a recent gift from an aunt, proclaiming, ‘Not just another big brother.’ As the two held their new baby brother later that morning, they cuddled him gently, singing Happy Birthday. Zachary remarked, “I think we’re all gonna play football together when he grows up.” Despite the holiday, Grand View’s Birth and Family Center was prepared to greet New Year’s Day arrivals. “Our maternity unit is always well-staffed and prepared to handle deliveries on a moment’s notice,” said Clinical Coordinator of Maternity Susan Minio, RNC-OB, BSN. About Grand View Hospital More than 1,500 babies were born last year at Grand View Hospital where the Birth and Family Center combines a comfortable, attractive décor with state-of-the-art obstetrical technology. Skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses, and support staff are committed to helping mothers have a safe, comfortable birthing experience. All of Grand View’s registered nurses have attained specialty certifications in inpatient obstetrics, maternal-child nursing, fetal monitoring, and third-trimester ultrasounds. Nearly all are trained and certified in neonatal advanced life support.

Shane and Jessica Balch of Schwenksville enjoy a special moment with newborn son Shane Patrick, Jr., and 8-year-old twins Matthew and Zachary after learning they had the first baby of the New Year.  Photograph by Karl Kosola, Staff Photographer at The Intelligencer.

A partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) brought renowned neonatology and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to Grand View earlier this year. The NICU is staffed with CHOP neonatologists and is specially equipped for infants who need more help and closer watching than those in a regular newborn nursery. Expectant parents of high-risk babies are invited to learn more about CHOP neonatal care at Grand View or to schedule a tour by calling (215) 453-4902.

Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care. For more information on Grand View Hospital and its services, please call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org.