Thousands of babies have been welcomed into the world by the soothing sounds of Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja’s singing.
The Pittsburgh doctor, affectionately known as the “Singing Doctor,” has delivered 8,000 newborns over 40 years and his tradition of commemorating each birth with a song has earned him his own day, according to Good Morning America.
The city of Pittsburgh declared May 16 “Jaja Day,” in recognition of Dr. Andrew-Jaja and his dedication to singing to newborns at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Magee-Womens Hospital.
“There’s a joy when people perform this way to honor the baby, the parents,” Andrew-Jaja told GMA. “And I’m happy that the city recognized that.”
The songs choices range from “It’s a Wonderful World” to “Happy Birthday.” The songs are meant to create a relaxing and warm environment for the new babies and their families. Dr. Andrew-Jaja retired two years ago but still comes back to the hospital to sing a song or two for his patients.
“It’s such a special thing to have your child celebrated, because obviously it’s the biggest day in your life to you,” one of Dr. Andrew-Jaja’s very last patients Lindsay Grimes told GMA.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital President Richard Beigi MD told GMA that some of Dr. Andrew-Jaja patients still refer to their children as a “Jaja Baby.”
“Childbirth is very stressful for the patient and their family,” Andrew-Jaja said. “Therefore, we as caregivers must strive to provide excellent care in an excellent setting with a smile on our face and a song in our heart.”