Cary Medical Center Marks Record Year for Maternity Services with 228 Deliveries in 2025
CARIBOU, Maine – As the new year approaches, Cary Medical Center reflects on an exceptional 2025, during which its maternity unit facilitated the births of 228 infants, marking one of the highest annual delivery totals in the facility’s three-decade history. This achievement comes at a time when access to obstetric care has become increasingly challenging for families in Aroostook County, following the closure of two nearby labor and delivery units.
Jennifer Plante, RN and the primary charge nurse for maternal child health, expressed a mix of emotions within the team. “While we are tired from the increased numbers, we are also invigorated by the opportunity to serve our community,” Plante stated. “It’s essential for local families to have access to quality obstetric care without the burden of significant travel distances.”
The maternity unit has encountered significant fluctuations in delivery rates, with some months experiencing low patient volumes and others, as high as 27 births. The staff has showcased extraordinary flexibility, often working varying shifts to ensure that families receive consistent, high-quality care.
Among the year’s numerous births, the delivery of twins has become a notable hallmark of the center’s successes. The 100th baby was born on June 20 as half of a twin set, and just under five months later, the 200th baby also arrived as one of a twin pair. “It’s the kind of coincidence you don’t anticipate,” remarked Plante. “Given that there were over 225 deliveries, it’s remarkable that both milestone births involved twins. This underscores the element of surprise that comes with this profession.”
Victoria Clark, mother to twins Addison and Cohen—who were numbers 99 and 100 of the year—praised the hospital staff for their professionalism. “Delivering twins brought its own set of anxieties, but the team’s expertise provided me with confidence that my babies and I were in capable hands. My experience at Cary Medical Center exceeded my expectations,” she stated.
The hospital celebrated an emotional culmination on November 22 with the arrival of twin boys, Hudson and Ryker, during the 199th and 200th deliveries for the year, further illustrating the unit’s commitment to supporting families through life’s defining moments.
“The privilege of being part of such meaningful experiences is unparalleled,” Plante added. “Although we are a small, rural community hospital, our staff is exceptionally skilled and dedicated. We understand that immediate care can make the difference in complex situations, and that reliability stems from our training and teamwork.”
Looking forward to 2026, Plante anticipates a similar trajectory in births and is enthusiastic about serving families across a wide geographical region, including those as far away as Portland. “Our growing reputation is a testament to the compassionate care our team delivers every day,” she noted.
Cary Medical Center, a 63-bed acute care facility, is recognized for its patient-centered services and commitment to improving health outcomes in Aroostook County. As an equal opportunity provider, the hospital remains dedicated to advancing the healthcare needs of all community members, particularly the underserved.
This banner year for the maternity unit encapsulates not only the joy of new life but also the essential role of community healthcare providers in fostering connections and support for families during pivotal moments.
