Detroit Doctor Delivers 8,000th Baby

By Sean Lee, WWJ Health Reporter

DETROIT (WWJ) - The birth of every baby is special, but for one Detroit family the arrival of their bundle of joy is remarkable.

When little Austin Brian Jones came into the world Monday, he was the first for mom, Lauren.  But for Henry Ford Obstetrician Richard Smith, he was baby number 8,000!

Dr. Smith, who's been delivering babies for almost 40 years, also delivered Lauren 24 years ago.

"[They're a] wonderful family, from the very beginning — just effervescent," said Smith. "You see her, she says, 'Dr. Smith, I want you to deliver my baby!' You know, she traveled here from the East Coast a number of times just to get here to get her prenatal care."

Smith plans to keep delivering babies and hopes to make it to at least the 10,000 mark.