Stafford Hospital Welcomes First 33-Week Gestation Baby to Level II NICU

Stafford, VA – January 10, 2023 – Stafford Hospital welcomed its first 33-week gestation baby to the newly expanded Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in December 2022.

When Casey and Brett Perlier started their drive from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to visit family for the holidays, they had a very different journey in mind. Halfway through their seven-hour drive, Casey began having contractions at just 33 weeks pregnant. Brett pulled off the interstate when contractions were two minutes apart. Luckily, after a google search, they found Stafford Hospital was close.

When they arrived, the clinical team at Stafford Hospital’s Family Birthplace did everything they could to stop her labor, but ultimately, Casey needed an emergency C-section. On December 23, baby Bellamy Scotlyn was born, weighing 4lbs 5oz. Bellamy was admitted to Stafford Hospital’s newly expanded Level II NICU, and was able to receive the advanced, specialized care she needed.

Casey and Brett are grateful that they pulled off the road when they did and found Stafford Hospital. They said that every single person they’ve encountered has been wonderful, and they are so grateful for the opportunity to board at the hospital, so they can be with Bellamy for every feeding. The NICU nurses continue to help Bellamy eat and grow and support Casey and Brett in their roles as new parents.

In April 2022, Stafford Hospital expanded its Intermediate Level Nursery to become a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, partnering with Children’s National and Mary Washington Hospital to provide advanced, specialized care to premature infants in the Stafford County community and beyond. Led by medical director Dr. Allison Markowsky, the Level II NICU brings the expertise of Children’s National neontologists and hospitalists to Stafford Hospital through both telemedicine support and in-hospital care. “We are so proud of our Level II NICU and the partnership between Stafford Hospital and Children’s National. To be able to offer this kind of specialized, expert newborn care when situations like Casey and Brett’s arise, is an important part of our commitment to keeping our community healthy,” says Dr. Markowsky.

Baby Bellamy is doing well and is expected to be discharged home soon. Brett and Casey can’t wait to get their newest addition home and start their lives as a family of three!

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About Mary Washington Healthcare 

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through more than 50 facilities and services including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed regional medical center, and Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital. Mary Washington Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, please visit mwhc.com.