Twice the Pleasure: Two Babies Born on Mother’s Day at Emerson Hospital

As a mother herself, Emily Strehle, DO of AFA Obstetrics and Gynecology typically spends Mother’s Day with 4-year-old Fiona and 2-year-old Dylan. This year, however, the Wayland resident assisted two first-time mothers in delivering their newborns at Emerson Hospital.

“They were both strong and powerful women who had wonderful families supporting them,” said Dr. Strehle, noting that this was her first such experience on Mother’s Day in the three years that she has worked at Emerson. “It was an honor to help each of them become a mother on this day in particular.”

At 1:45 a.m., Cassandra Hartwell of Bolton gave birth to Lillian Faith, at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches. Hartwell said her daughter is the latest in a long line of Hartwells born at Emerson, including all three siblings in her family as well as their father. She had a positive experience as well, especially enjoying the private room with a secondary bed on which her mother, Debbie Hartwell of Lancaster, spent the night.

“The staff was amazing, especially my nurse who was so caring and attentive to my needs during the birth,” Hartwell said. “Everyone was so nice, stopping by to check on me and offer congratulations. And with the renovation, it felt like I was in a five-star hotel.”

Hartwell began having contractions on the previous Friday, which was Lillian’s due date. Despite wishing her 40 hours of labor had ended earlier, Hartwell said she was happy for her Mother’s Day surprise.

“It was a long, long wait, but totally worth it. She’s gorgeous and so content, and just very sweet,” Hartwell said of her daughter. “It’s a gift to myself as a new mom, to my mother as a new grandmother and to my grandmother as a first-time great-grandmother. This is a blessing we’ll always remember.”

At 4:18 a.m., John Pellegrino Tucker was born to Diana Badolato and Brad Tucker of Harvard. Their son was 7 pounds, 1½ ounces and 21½ inches long.

Badolato, whose due date was May 12, arrived at the hospital in the early morning hours the day before Mother’s Day, only to be sent home when her contractions slowed. She returned around 8 p.m. to Emerson, where she has long come for routine care.

“I’ve always known it’s a good hospital, and this was awesome, too,” she said. “The nurses are very helpful, very nice. They all go above and beyond.”

Tucker said the experience was positive from his perspective as well. “Everything was great,” he said. “They put in a lot of effort to make sure you’re comfortable.”

Before she went into labor, Badolato had planned to enjoy Mother’s Day brunch with her mother and grandmother. Instead, the three generations spent the day at Emerson, admiring the newest member of their family who Badolato said is “doing just great.”

“Not everybody can say they get a gift like this on Mother’s Day,” she added.