Prairie Lakes Celebrates Record-Setting Year in Labor and Delivery

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As 2025 draws to a close, the Labor and Delivery team at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is reflecting on a remarkably active year that saw the arrival of hundreds of new residents to the region.

According to year-end data released by the healthcare system, the facility managed a total of 688 births throughout 2025. This included 378 boys and 310 girls, with the medical team successfully delivering five sets of twins over the past twelve months.

Seasonal Trends and Care Statistics

Hospital records indicate that July was the most active month for the department, with staff welcoming 71 babies. In opposition, December was the quietest month of the year, recording 43 births.

Beyond the numbers, Prairie Lakes reported a high rate of successful post-natal care initiatives. Notably, 94% of mothers were exclusively breastfeeding upon their discharge from the hospital, highlighting the system’s commitment to maternal and infant health education.

Popular Names of 2025

The year-end report also highlighted local naming trends, with Hudson and Lainey topping the lists for boys and girls, respectively. The most popular names for the year included:

Top Boy Names:

1.    Hudson

2.    Asher

3.    Grayson

4.    Luke

Top Girl Names:

1.    Lainey

2.    Charlotte

3.    Avery

4.    Sutton

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the current year’s statistics finalized, the Labor and Delivery team has shifted its focus to the upcoming holiday weekend. Staff members are now waiting to see which family will welcome the highly anticipated “First Baby of the New Year” for 2026.