Log in

Abrazo Arrowhead’s 1st-ever baby born delivers her baby there 30 years later

Posted 10/10/19

Litchfield Park woman welcomes baby boy

At Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, 18701 N. 67th Ave., every delivery is special. But little Preston Tafoya kicked things up a notch. 

Preston’s …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Abrazo Arrowhead’s 1st-ever baby born delivers her baby there 30 years later

Posted

Litchfield Park woman welcomes baby boy

At Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, 18701 N. 67th Ave., every delivery is special. But little Preston Tafoya kicked things up a notch. 

Preston’s mother Lauren Tafoya was the first baby ever born at the formerly-named Arrowhead Community Hospital when it opened its doors in 1988. So when Ms. Tafoya, a Litchfield Park resident, became pregnant with her son nearly 30 years later, she turned to Arrowhead for her delivery.

“It is just really heartwarming knowing that I was able to have the opportunity to deliver there,” she stated. “There are not very many people that are able to say that they were the first baby ever born at a hospital, and then also be able to have one of their children there as well.”

Ms. Tafoya’s parents, Muriel and Larry Ornelis, were thrilled to see the tradition continue.

“I had such a special time there so I knew she was in good hands,” Muriel stated.

Ms. Tafoya had her first child, Payton Tafoya, 3, at a different West Valley hospital because her physician wasn’t delivering at Arrowhead Campus. “But when I found out I was pregnant with Preston, my doctor had changed offices, and I was able to choose Arrowhead,” she said.

When the time came and Ms. Tafoya and husband checked into the hospital, the couple got an unexpected surprise.

“I was shocked that the nurse that checked us in when I was being induced remembered me and my mom because she was one of the nurses working in the hospital when I was born,” Ms. Tafoya stated.

That afternoon, son Preston Alexander came into the world at 6 pounds 7 ounces and 19 inches long. In a story of firsts, Preston was also the first grandson born to Muriel and Larry.

“The whole story has been so special,” Muriel stated.

Since Muriel’s delivery 28 years ago, Arrowhead Campus’ programs and services for expectant parents have grown dramatically. Families turn to the hospital because of its long history serving the community and the staff’s dedication to providing expert care. In fact, the hospital delivers more than 3,200 babies every year.

At Arrowhead Campus, parents can expect experienced birthing experts, nurses and some of the latest in high-tech monitoring equipment. Babies who need extra medical attention after delivery can be cared for at an on-site special care nursery.

Support also includes an on-call lactation consultant to help with breastfeeding, or postpartum support to address concerns about the baby before leaving the hospital.

When Muriel and Larry were considering hospitals 28 years ago, Arrowhead Campus – then called Arrowhead Community Hospital - was the logical choice for the Glendale couple.

“Arrowhead was the closest and it was the newest,” Muriel stated. “We timed it. We were like 10 minutes away. There was no (Loop) 101 yet, just a bunch of orchards.”