Juneau, Alaska — The first baby of 2025 was born at Bartlett Regional Hospital on New Year’s Day at 8:10 p.m. Baby Enrique Bravo, weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 19.75 inches, was welcomed by first-time parents Koko Urata and Enrique Bravo of Juneau.
“The staff has just been outstanding,” said Koko, who described the experience as a “journey” for the couple. “The team has been amazing in supporting us and making us feel heard and safe.” Enrique added, “The great thing about Juneau is it’s a small community, and everyone knows each other, so you feel like you’re at home here.”
In keeping with tradition, the Bartlett Beginnings Birth Center presented the family with a special gift: a handmade wooden rocking boat filled with newborn items. This marks the eighth year the birth center has honored the first baby of the year with the unique gift. The boat was crafted by Dr. Lindy Jones, an Emergency Department physician at Bartlett, and his wife, Colleen Jones. Made from Yellow Cedar and Hemlock donated by Icy Straits Lumber in Hoonah, the boat symbolizes a longstanding community tradition.
Dr. Jones, who has known Koko since she was a child, reflected on the meaningful connection. “Koko’s father, Dr. Bob Urata, recruited me 33 years ago to come up here and work,” said Dr. Jones. “Now, we have Dr. Koko Urata serving in one of the areas of medicine with the biggest need, and we’re so lucky to have her in our community.”
Koko, who fondly remembers Dr. Jones and his wife babysitting her during childhood, said receiving the boat made by them was especially sentimental. “This is really meaningful,” she said.
With nearly 300 babies born each year at Bartlett, Enrique’s birth marks the first of many new arrivals to the hospital in 2025. For more information about Bartlett Beginnings, visit bartletthospital.org/services/birth-center.
