Sunbury mum and bub carry on family tradition

When the time came for Sunbury hairdresser Corrie Leebody to deliver her baby, there was only one family name she trusted to do the job.

Dr Sushen Naidoo, Corrie Leebody and her Mum Jacqui Canning, Dr Jan Naidoo and baby Hazel. Picture: Rob Leeson.

When the time came for Sunbury hairdresser Corrie Leebody to deliver her baby, there was only one family name she trusted to do the job.

Ms Leebody’s daughter Hazel was brought into the world by Dr Sushen Naidoo, the son of the Sunbury obstetrician who delivered Ms Leebody herself.

Dr Jan Naidoo delivered hundreds of babies at Sunbury Private Hospital for about a decade before its closure, including all five of Ms Leebody’s siblings.

MACEDON RANGES YOUTH LEAD THE WAY

DEFYING THE ODDS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL

MOST POPULAR VICTORIAN BABY NAMES REVEALED

After figuring out Dr Naidoo’s son was practising in Melbourne, the choice was easy.

“We’re happy we can carry on our next generation with their next generation,” she said. “When I was telling everyone that I was seeing Dr Naidoo’s son, they said ‘he (his father) delivered my kids’.”

Ms Leebody said it was comforting to be looked after by the son of someone her mother knew and trusted.

Dr Sushen Naidoo, Corrie Leebody, Dr Jan Naidoo and baby Hazel. Picture: Rob Leeson

“They’re fantastic doctors and lovely people. It’s great that we all know each other.”

Ms Leebody said her two-week-old daughter was healthy and doing well.

Dr Sushen Naidoo said the revelation came as a surprise.

“They pieced together that I was still consulting. It was a really nice surprise,” he said.

“I thought he might have treated her but she seemed a bit young. She said ‘your Dad actually delivered me’.”

Carrying on the family tradition, Dr Naidoo said he was happy to be honouring his father’s legacy while carving out his own image.

“I hope I can treat patients my Dad helped and deliver other children of people my dad delivered,” he said.

While Dr Naidoo doesn’t practice in Sunbury, he has come into contact with many locals in nearby Keilor.

“My dad had a great reputation. It’s great to continue that and be part of it,” he said.

@JessCoates4