Providence ER Nurse Gives Birth to First Lewis County Baby in 2019

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Not everyone can say they welcomed their first child into the world at their place of work.

Jessica Watkins, however, is a registered nurse at Providence Centralia Hospital and just gave birth to the first Lewis County baby of 2019. She and husband Jason Watkins welcomed their first child — Elijah David Watkins — on Tuesday morning.

“It’s crazy that (he’s) here and we get to take him home,” Jessica Watkins said. “It’s pretty surreal. … I’m totally in love with this little guy.”

Elijah David Watkins was born at 4:32 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Jan. 1, 2019. He weighs 7 pounds, 4 ounces and is 20 1/4 inches long.

The couple believes Jason Watkins’ middle name, Lish, derives from the name Elijah. Jessica Watkins said they want to carry on the family name with their son. “David” was also Jessica’s father’s name.

“My middle name is Lish and we weren’t going to use that for a first name,” Jason Watkins joked. “So we went with what we believe it was shortened from.”

The couple arrived for delivery around noon on Dec. 31. When asked how the delivery went, Jessica Watkins said, “Not as planned, but that’s okay. The ultimate goal was just to have a healthy baby and that’s what we got.”



“I think with the outcome it went excellent now that they’re both okay,” Jason Watkins said.

Jason Watkins is originally from Lewis County and Jessica Watkins is originally from Thurston County. Jessica Watkins is a registered nurse at Providence Centralia Hospital in the Emergency Department. Prior to that, she worked in labor and delivery for seven years at Providence Centralia Hospital.

“It was a good transition and now I’m back,” said Jessica Watkins jokingly. “... The night shift crew is a little bit new to me, because I left and a lot of them are new. But the one who helped deliver our baby was a nursing student of mine, because I taught part time at the college (Centralia College) also. So she was one of my nursing students.”

Dr. Mark Nishiyana, from Providence Centralia Women’s Center, delivered the boy. Jessica Watkins has previously worked with Nishiyana.

“My first delivery that I had on my own was one of his patients, years ago,” Jessica Watkins said. “I just remember him walking into the room and giving me a towel to finish the delivery for him.”

Jessica and Jason Watkins said they’re excited to be new parents.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Jason Watkins said.