Thursday, January 4, 2024
Norman Regional HealthPlex is thrilled to share the heartwarming story of two best friends, Blakeleigh Mashburn and Makayla Magruder, whose remarkable bond has been taken to new heights as they welcomed their newborn sons, Carter and Sullivan, just hours apart.
Blakeleigh and Makayla, lifelong friends from Washington, Oklahoma, about 12 miles south of Norman, have shared an unbreakable bond since kindergarten. Over the years, their friendship has grown stronger, evolving into a sisterly connection that has seen them through life's many challenges and joys.
As fate would have it, the birth of their children became the next chapter in their life’s journey. The story begins on December 31, when Makayla gave birth at Norman Regional HealthPlex, ringing in the New Year with the arrival of her son, Sullivan. Makayla expressed her gratitude for the excellent care provided by the hospital staff, noting that "everyone was awesome" during the birth.
Meanwhile, on the same night, Blakeleigh also found herself at Norman Regional, believing her son Carter was on the way! After arriving and being checked out by medical professionals, she was sent home due to false labor pains. Before leaving, she couldn't resist visiting her best friend and her newborn baby. The next morning on New Year’s Day, Blakeleigh's water broke, setting the stage for an incredible coincidence.
Makayla shares, "I told my nurse that we were best friends, and they thought that was so cool and special. So they said they'll put her right next to me. And I was like, 'That would be awesome.'" This decision by the hospital staff resulted in Sullivan and Carter, the two newborn boys, being born only hours apart in rooms next door to each other.
Despite not sharing the same birth year, Sullivan arrived on New Year's Eve, while Carter celebrated his birthday on New Year's Day. Blakeleigh reflects on this serendipitous occurrence, "I think it's really special that “Sully” got his birthday on New Year's Eve, and then Carter got his birthday on New Year's Day."
As these two remarkable friends embark on their journey of motherhood, they embrace the opportunity to pass down their enduring bond to the next generation. Blakeleigh says, "Now we have two little boys to raise together and have playdates forever."
Norman Regional HealthPlex in Norman, Oklahoma, is committed to providing exceptional maternity care with a focus on personalized attention and family-centered services. Our Labor and Delivery unit features experienced board-certified physicians and nurses, offering a range of birthing options to suit your preferences. We prioritize skin-to-skin contact and bonding during 'The Golden Hour,' and our Mother/Baby floor provides comfortable couplet rooms to enhance the parent-baby connection. With certification in perinatal care from The Joint Commission, we're dedicated to ensuring a safe and memorable childbirth experience for you and your newborn, treating your growing family as our own.
Norman Regional HealthPlex’s OBED (Obstetrical Emergency Department) has received first-in-the-nation accreditation by CIHQ (Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality) as a Center of Excellence.
This distinction marks the first time a health system anywhere in the country has been recognized for obstetrical emergency care. Norman Regional will now serve as a blueprint across the nation for other health systems hoping to be recognized for their OBED.
Norman Regional Health System was also named the 2024 Women’s Choice Award winner for Bariatric Surgery, Heart Care, Obstetrics, Orthopedics and Stroke Care.