Detroit doctor delivers 8,000th baby

Doctor now delivering children of children he delivered

DETROIT – Henry Ford Hospital obstetrician Dr. Richard Smith has achieve a milestone in his career of delivering children.

On Wednesday, Dr. Smith delivered the 8,000th baby of his 40-year career.

Dr. Smith said his work of bringing new life into the world never gets old.

"It's fun working with the mothers. It's fun working with the dads. But most importantly, I love the grandmothers," Smith said.

His 8,000th baby was born to Lauren Hood.  Dr. Smith delivered Lauren 24 years ago.  He has similar connections with many of the babies he has delivered.

"One of the first babies that I delivered here is a director here at Henry Ford Hospital and it just goes like that," Smith said.

Brenda Hood was on hand for the delivery of her daughter's child. She said having Dr. Smith there was special to her.

"When I was having Lauren I was having complications with her and just the care he gave, I knew I was in good hands so I wanted to be sure my child was too," Hood said.

And Lauren Hood said it was also special for her to have Dr. Smith deliver her baby.

"When I found out I was pregnant, it was oh my goodness, how amazing would it be if the guy who delivered me also delivered my child as well," Hood said.

Lauren Hood and her new son are doing well.


About the Author:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.