Ryde Hospital’s maternity services see three family generations born

THERE was a strong sense of deja vu for Jan Catterall when she visited her daughter Tegan O’Brien and newborn granddaughter Rua at Ryde Hospital.

Tegan O'Brien, baby Rua and Jan Catterall. Picture: Adam Ward

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THERE was a strong sense of deja vu for Jan Catterall when she visited her daughter Tegan O’Brien and newborn granddaughter Rua at Ryde Hospital.

Mrs O’Brien, of North Epping, delivered Rua – her first child – in one of the birthing units and despite technological advancements, Mrs Catterall was in familiar surrounds.

Rua Brid O’Brien was the third generation of girls in the family who was born at the hospital.

The baby, whose name honours her father Shem’s Irish heritage, measured 54cm and weighed 4.24kgs when she arrived on June 26.

Tegan O'Brien, baby Rua and Jan Catterall. Picture: Adam Ward

After four days of contractions, Mrs O’Brien was elated her daughter arrived.

“It was hard, it was tiring, but it was pretty amazing,” she said.

“It’s been a bit hectic. It’s a big learning curve. But she is a very good sleeper at night.”

Mrs Catterall marvelled at the changes to the hospital over time. She was born there in 1953, and recalled delivering Tegan at the same address in 1985.

Mrs Catterall gave birth at the Denistone House building. The maternity unit was later replaced with birthing units for low-risk pregnancies.

“We were in a room with three or four others and all had crying babies at different times,” Mrs Catterall said.

She stayed for about a week after Tegan was born.

By contrast, Mrs O’Brien left the same day Rua arrived.

“Water birth was way ‘out there’ when I was having kids,” Mrs Catterall said.

“It seems water birthing makes life so much easier.”

The hospital has two birthing suites and there are on average two births each week.

The family had good reason for returning.

Mrs O’Brien was confident in the care she would receive and praised the midwives for its delivery, particularly the one assigned to her, Anna Bragg.

“The midwives are amazing. We saw quite a few of them,” Mrs O’Brien said.

“Not once did we feel the need to question their capability.”