The Beaudoin family's newest addition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Juan Torres
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  Weighing at 7 pounds 12 ounces, Beatrice M. Beaudoin, Yokota’s first baby of the year, was born at approximately 7:08 a.m., Jan. 7, 2017.

“Beatrice was the first of four babies born on that day,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Kevin A. Beaudoin, International Port Security liaison officer and father of the newborn. “There was just something in the water that day,” he expressed jokingly.

Yokota Air Base delivers approximately 180 babies per year. This type of work may seem stressful yet very rewarding for those involved.

“The pure emotion involved in meeting a new child is unlike anything else,” said Capt. Emlyn Mann, 374th Surgical Operations Squadron clinical nurse. “As obstetric nurses, we get the rare chance to be a part of such a special moment in people's lives and witness the excitement and joy of meeting a child.”

Being the original due date Jan. 26, 2017, it came as a surprise to the now family of five that they would meet Beatrice earlier than expected.

“We were all surprised she was Yokota’s first baby of the New Year,” said Jasmine A. Beaudoin, mother of the newborn. “She was born a little late in the year so that was a happy surprise.”

“I want to hold her,” excitedly exclaimed Charlotte N. Beaudoin, five, daughter of Kevin and Jasmine Beaudoin.

“Both my daughters are excited about their new baby sister,” said Jasmine. “They’re excited to take on the additional responsibilities of having a new baby in the house.”

For Jasmine, having lived in Yokota during her childhood years, having their baby in Yokota means that much more to her and her family.

While having a baby born overseas may seem challenging, the 374th Medical Group is ready to provide all their patients the best care possible.

“The nurses and technicians on the multiservice inpatient unit provide around-the-clock care for mothers and newborns,” said Mann. “We strive to provide excellent care and meet each family's goals. Nurses and technicians, along with the entire hospital staff, from the obstetricians and pediatricians to nutritional medicine, pharmacy and laboratory staff, work to make each family's birthing experience the best possible.”

Thanks to the help of the 374 MDG, the Beaudoin family had the best experience possible during this special moment in their lives.

“Having a new baby is such a fleeting moment in your life,” said Jasmine. “We don’t get to do this very often in our lives. You need to cherish every moment of it knowing it’s going to be such a small window of your life. For me, those moments are the most rewarding part.”