First Baby of 2020 Arrives at Dodgeville Hospital

The first baby of 2020 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville was born in the evening of the seventh day of the New Year. A baby girl, Evie Rose Averkamp, was born to Melissa and Nick Averkamp of Dodgeville, WI. Baby Evie arrived weighing 9 lb. and 2 oz.

Evie will join two sisters Skyla and Cortni; and grandparents, Steven and Cindy Strom of Madison, WI and Tony Averkamp of Benton, WI.

Family physician, Dr. Jodi McGraw, had the pleasure of bringing the first baby of 2020 into the world. Melissa said, “Dr. McGraw and all of the OB nurses have been amazing. They were very helpful during the difficult parts of labor. They helped us get the rest that we need and have kept us very comfortable.” Dr. McGraw has been the Averkamp’s family doctor for 5 years or more.

“The new birthing suites are very nice,” she mentioned. “It was very convenient and relaxing to have a tub right in my own room.” Melissa gave birth to her first child in Madison and her second child was born in Dodgeville in the former birthing unit.

Nick is employed with Cuba City Telephone in Cuba City, WI and Melissa is employed with Dean Health Plan in Madison. Nick said, “The hospital in Dodgeville is one of the reasons we chose to live here.” When Melissa and Nick were looking to move to a community between Cuba City and Madison to accommodate their commutes, they chose Dodgeville because the hospital and clinics would be convenient for their growing family.

A generous community welcomes the 2020 New Year baby and her family with a gift of newborn supplies and gift certificates. Contributors include Simply Health Chiropractic, Spring Green; Mount Horeb United Methodist Church; Academy of Little Vikings 4K & Childcare, Mount Horeb; Vintage Bloom Portrait Studio, Dodgeville; CrestRidge Senior Living, Dodgeville; Caring Crafters, Auxiliary and Birth Center of Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville.