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A Creative Welcome: The Story Behind ORHC’s “Welcome to the World” Board

The “Welcome to the World” board was born from the thoughtful imagination of Sharry Fipps. She envisioned a fun, heartwarming way for parents to capture their baby’s first “going home from the hospital” photo—and to celebrate the Labor and Delivery Unit in a uniquely ORHC way.

Sharry’s idea was simple but meaningful: give parents a role in crafting a special birth announcement, right there in the hospital. If they choose to share the moment on social media, a custom hashtag on the board lets them proudly tag ORHC and spread the joy.

Each board includes the baby’s name, birthdate, weight, and length—all filled in by the staff or, in many cases, by the proud parents themselves. Some families even bring their own creative flair, adding doodles and designs to personalize the space even more.

Labor and delivery nurse Brandi McClure Creech took the concept to another level. When the board first launched, it was just a wall with blackboard paint, a "Welcome to the World" decal, and the birth stats circle. Inspired by the moment, Brandi began adding seasonal and holiday-themed chalk artwork. Her vibrant, hand-drawn decorations quickly became a favorite among families and staff alike, often drawing admiration—and a few photo ops of their own!

Thanks to Sharry’s spark of creativity and Brandi’s artistic touch, the “Welcome to the World” board is more than just a photo backdrop—it’s a special part of the ORHC experience that celebrates new life in a personal, joyful way.

 

 

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