Bond to maternity unit pass down the generations

BRUCE Lewis’ bond with Wesley Maternity is so tight he has not only been there from the start as a paediatrician, his son and grandson began life there.

Dr Bruce Lewis with daughter Rachael Finlayson and grandson Lewis. AAP/Richard Walker

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BRUCE Lewis’ bond with Wesley Maternity is so tight he has not only been there from the start as a paediatrician, his son and grandson began life there.

In a remarkable coincidence, his grandson Lewis was recently born at the westside hospital in the same unit Dr Lewis helped plan and open 30 years ago.

Dr Lewis was not only there at the opening of the Wesley Maternity Unit and Special Care Nursery in 1987, one year later his son Edward was also born there.

The unit has come a long way since then and now a team of more than 20 obstetricians and 80 midwives deliver 1100 babies every year.

“For me the highlight has been working in an environment such as the Wesley,’’ Dr Lewis said.

“It’s been wonderful to watch the unit grow over the 30 years and a joy and privilege to work on a daily basis with parents and children.

“Over the years I’ve noticed a number of changes, including the greater focus on the mother-family-baby attachment in the early days and weeks of the child’s development.

“There’s also been a shift in the focus of lactation with the development of lactation consultants as a profession.”

Wesley Hospital Director of Clinical Services, Cheryl Clayton, said they were proud of the milestone.

“Our team’s passion and dedication to mothers and babies for the past 30 years sets them apart”, Ms Clayton said.

The Wesley last week started a new series of antenatal exercise classes for mothers in their second trimester, led by a women’s health physiotherapist.

Classes will be held weekly on Tuesday at 5.30pm. To register, call 3232 6190.