Traverse City couple welcomes baby boy on Mother’s Day at Munson

Mother’s Day brought an extra surprise to Ariel Couturier and Vincent Ellu of Traverse City: their second child arrived at Munson Medical Center just in time for the holiday, and they learned at delivery that the baby was a boy.

Samuel was born Sunday, May 11, 2026, after seven hours of labor and weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces. The couple had chosen not to learn the baby’s sex before birth, turning the delivery into a moment of suspense that made the day even more memorable. Samuel is expected to go home soon and meet his older brother.

For Couturier and Ellu, the timing made the birth stand out in a way they said they would never forget. Their family and church were part of the support network around them, and the older child had already helped choose Samuel’s name before meeting him in person. The new parents also expressed gratitude for the nurses, midwives and medical team who helped bring the baby into the world at Munson.

The birth placed one of Grand Traverse County’s largest health systems at the center of a very personal family story. Munson Medical Center, with 442 beds, is the region’s largest hospital and referral center for northern Michigan. Its Family Birth Center includes a 19-bed maternity unit and a 22-bed neonatal intensive care unit, along with trained staff and support services for new families.

Munson Healthcare says its maternity services are designed to feel family-centered and home-like, with free virtual classes available for healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth and baby care. The system’s hospitals in Traverse City and across northern Michigan have long been part of major medical needs in the region, but stories like Samuel’s show the hospital’s quieter role as well, helping mark the moments when local families begin a new chapter.