South Central Regional Medical Center presents part two of There’s No Place Like Home. There’s No Place Like Home features testimonials from local fathers on their experiences raising children and having a family in this region. This week we take a look at the Ducksworth family. 

“Their smiles always brighten my day,” says Matthew Ducksworth, father of two from Taylorsville. “My girls have big, bright smiles and they keep me smiling from ear to ear every day.”

Along with being a father to two girls, Aaliyah and Alyssa, Matthew is a logger by trade and served in the National Guard for the past 15 years. During his time in the military, Matthew has been on two deployments to the Middle East. He spent a year and nine months abroad, however, Matthew says none of that prepared him for raising two girls.

“I have never experienced anything like the birth of my children. That excitement and joy is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” says Matthew. “My wife, Mathia, and I were both born at South Central Regional Medical Center, so it was the natural choice for us to have our children there.”

Mathia Ducksworth received obstetrical care from Rebecca Roberts, D.O., Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the OB-GYN Group of Laurel. “Anytime my wife needed help, Dr. Roberts and staff were there,” said Matthew. “She was very helpful and informative, but most of all she was like a friend to my wife. I thought that was very nice of her.”

The OB-GYN Group of Laurel is a full service medical clinic for women. From wellness checks to pregnancy,childbirth care and educational information on different life stages, the OB-GYN Group of Laurel is available to provide treatment for women of all ages. The clinic is staffed by two physicians, Rebecca Roberts, D.O., and Hugh Stancill, M.D., along with a nurse practitioner, Sonya Johnson, R.N.C., W.H.N.P.

After the arrival of Alyssa, the Ducksworth’s youngest daughter, Matthew recalls the announcement to family and friends. “As soon as Alyssa was born, I followed her and her nurses to the nursery at South Central Regional Medical Center. While the staff weighed and measured her, Aaliyah and I were able to push the button that plays ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ to announce the arrival of our new little girl. It plays throughout the medical center, so it was nice that everyone in the building knew of our new blessing.”

Matthew and his wife believe there is no place like home when it comes to having a baby. “I was raised in this area and I want my daughters to have the same upbringing that I did. Sharing memories with family and friends are important and I am glad they are able to have loved ones nearby.”