Northern Beaches Hospital’s first baby of 2019
MEET Stefan Kardum the first baby born at the Northern Beaches Hospital in 2019.
MEET the first baby born at the Northern Beaches Hospital in 2019.
Stefan Kardum was born by emergency caesarean after his parents arrived at the Frenchs Forest-based hospital about 4am on New Year’s Day.
And new mum Ayaka Kimura, 32, will be leaving Northern Beaches Hospital maternity ward with more than one bundle of joy.
Ms Kimura, proud dad Radoslav Kardum, 42, and their healthy boy were the first family at Northern Beaches Hospital to receive the NSW Government’s Baby Bundle initiative.
The Baby Bundle will be given to parents and caregivers of every baby born in NSW from January 1, 2019.
The bag is filled with baby products and a selection of information to support
the health, development and wellbeing of babies born in NSW.
It includes a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath and room thermometers, baby toothbrush, breast pads, first aid kit, board books, face cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitiser and barrier cream.
Each item meets the Australian safety standards, and the total retail value of each Baby Bundle is approximately $300.
The new parents were thankful for their bundle gift, and praised the staff at the hospital for the care they received.
“We have had a really, really good experience at the hospital, the midwives have all been like angels,” Mr Kardum said.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the new parents.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital at 4am on New Year’s Day from their home at nearby Forestville the couple started to worry.
Ms Kimura had been having contractions for over 48 hours and on examination the first-time parents were told that the baby’s heart rate was dropping in between contractions.
“It was very scary,” said Mr Kardum, “There were other complications and I was petrified.”
Just three and a half hours later baby Stefan was born at a healthy 3.5 kilograms after an emergency caesarean.
“Everyone has been so nice,” Ms Kimura said, cradling the sleeping baby in her arms. “It’s been a really great experience.” Mr Kardum added, “the midwives have all been angels.”
The hospital’s interim CEO Stephen Gameren said the Baby Bundle will ease the burden on parents and caregivers.
“The Bundle contains important health information for parents and caregivers and provides safe products and information to support them in the early weeks and months and to deliver better health outcomes,” Mr Gameren said.
“In some instances the Bundle could be lifesaving. For example, the Bundle’s baby sleepwear is modelled on the safe sleeping guidelines issued by SIDS prevention organisation, Red Nose.
“Bringing a new family member into the world is an exciting and happy time, but we also know that it can be challenging and expensive.
“The Baby Bundle gives parents and caregivers a headstart and will help alleviate some of those cost pressures.”
The NBH maternity ward has delivered almost 300 babies since the hospital opened on 30 October 2018.
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