The birth of a child is a day of such magnitude, for the parents in a life changing way and the little one who has just begun their journey in this world . . . and one doctor understood that in a way so profound, we couldn’t help but share.
Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja is known as “The Singing Doctor” at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Magee-Womens Hospital, because of his cherished tradition of singing to each baby as they are born.
Over the span of a 40-year medical career, Dr. Jaja has welcomed over 8,000 babeis to the world with his gift of song.
Many of his patients and their families have shared videos of the doctor singing to the babies and soothing them with his voice. His musical catalog includes “Happy Birthday” and some classics like “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong).
As to why he sings, Jaja told Good Morning America (GMA), “Childbirth is very stressful for the patient and their family. Therefore, we as caregivers must strive to provide excellent care in an excellent setting with a smile on our face and songs in our heart.”
Jaja retired from delivering babies a couple years ago, but one of his last patients told GMA, “He has the most beautiful voice and of course, he includes their name and ends the song with ‘Welcome to our beautiful world, [child’s name].'”
Many of his old patients still refer to their child as a “Jaja baby.”
If that’s not enough of a testament to how powerful sharing love, joy and kindness can be . . . the city of Pittsburgh declared May 16 “Jaja Day”!
(GMA)
