LEONARDTOWN AND PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Two hospitals in Southern Maryland marked the arrival of the new year with the births of their first babies on January 1, 2026, bringing joy to families and communities in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties.
At MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, Ariella became the first baby born in 2026. Proud parents Kaylynn and James welcomed their daughter at the start of the year, an event that hospital officials described as a moment of joy, hope, and new beginnings for the family and the entire hospital community. The announcement highlighted Ariella’s arrival as symbolizing “a new year, a new life, a perfect beginning.” Staff encouraged the community to join in wishing Ariella and her family a lifetime filled with health, love, and unforgettable firsts.
In Prince Frederick, CalvertHealth Medical Center welcomed its first newborn of 2026 at 7:56 a.m. on January 1. Lincoln Errol Prinsen, born to parents Jessica and Kirk Prinsen of Lusby, arrived as a healthy baby boy weighing 8 pounds, 3.1 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. The birth represented a joyful start to the new year for his family and the care team at the hospital, who had the privilege of assisting in the delivery.
These annual traditions of announcing first babies underscore the role of local hospitals in community life, providing maternity services and celebrating milestones that reflect renewal and optimism. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, located at 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, serves St. Mary’s County as its primary acute care facility. CalvertHealth Medical Center, in Prince Frederick, supports residents across Calvert County with comprehensive birthing care. Both institutions routinely share such positive announcements through their official social media channels to engage with the public.
While no corresponding coverage appeared on The Southern Maryland Chronicle as of early January 2026, the details stem directly from the hospitals’ verified Facebook posts. Previous years have seen similar reports on the Chronicle for first babies, such as in 2025 when MedStar St. Mary’s welcomed a child named Racheal and another local hospital celebrated Aurora, signaling consistent community interest in these events. The Chronicle has historically documented hospital milestones, including earlier first-baby announcements in 2023 and 2021.
The births highlight ongoing maternity services in Southern Maryland, where families rely on these facilities for safe deliveries amid a region that values accessible healthcare. MedStar St. Mary’s and CalvertHealth continue to emphasize patient-centered care, with programs supporting families from prenatal stages through postpartum. These early-year arrivals often set a positive tone for hospital staff and local residents alike.