Two surprises in operating theatre for new mum as partner proposes after child’s birth

A first-time mum thought her partner was “going to faint” as the couple prepared for the arrival of their newborn son. But parenthood jitters weren’t to blame, for he had his own surprise to deliver.

As Caitlin Eggins lay on the operating table ready for the arrival of her firstborn, she noticed her partner’s nerves were running high.

But this was no hospital phobia or parenthood jitters. Jarryd Sheehan had his own surprise to deliver — a diamond ring hidden in the tracksuit pocket under his theatre scrubs.

With their baby boy Callum safely on Ms Eggins' chest after the elective caesarean, the 25-year-old truck driver got down on one knee in what was Monash Medical Centre’s first proposal in an operating theatre.

The moment Jarryd Sheehan proposed to partner Caitlyn Eggins.

“It was amazing. I was crying. I’ve never been more shocked in my life,” Ms Eggins, 24, said.

“Jarryd was so nervous beforehand. I thought he was going to faint, but it was all about the ring.”

The entire medical team was in on the surprise.

“The baby came as a bit of a surprise, but the way we just handled everything together, I realised she’s definitely the one I want to be with,” Mr Sheehan said.

The Monash Medical Centre medical team was in on the surprise.

Obstetric registrar Kate Morris said the medical and nursing teams were chuffed to have played a hand in the milestone event.

“Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes. It was lovely,” Dr Morris said.

The couple first met three years ago, through Scouts.

“Every dream I have had, he has helped come true,” Ms Eggins said.

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