BENTON, Ark. (Jan. 2, 2026) – Saline Memorial Hospital rang in the new year with a joyful milestone: the arrival of its first baby of 2026. Sutton, a baby boy born to Alexis and James, made his debut at 9:50 a.m. Jan. 1, weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches.

To celebrate the arrival of the new year and the new bundle of joy, the hospital presented the family with a basket of gifts, including a sound machine, a $50 Visa gift card and other essentials for both mom and baby.

“This little one makes the new year feel even more magical,” Alexis said. “We began 2026 with our greatest blessing and the support an incredible hospital team.”

Saline Memorial Hospital has three obstetricians, including Dr. Ralynn Brann, who delivered Sutton, and three pediatricians to care for mothers and newborns. The hospital is a member of Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Nursery Alliance, which facilitates training, sharing of best practices and coordination of care between Arkansas Children’s Hospital and member hospitals.

To help families feel informed and supported during childbirth, Saline Memorial offers free childbirth and breastfeeding classes, nitrous oxide as an alternative for pain management, and access to an on-site lactation consultant four days per week. More information on labor and delivery services is available at 501.776.6300 or SalineMemorial.org/Labor-and-Delivery.

“We have a remarkable team of clinical and support staff who are dedicated to cultivating a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for mothers and their babies,” Brann said. “Helping our community’s families welcome their newest additions is one of our greatest privileges.”

(The family’s last name has been omitted to protect the baby’s safety.)

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of LifePoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center. Saline Memorial Hospital is also proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Saline Memorial Hospital, please call 501.776.6000 or visit SalineMemorial.org. For more information about LifePoint Health, visit LifePointHealth.net.