Ramsay Newsroom
Back to the future for John Flynn midwifery team
December 22, 2020
Some of the midwives at John Flynn Private Hospital may have thought they’d entered a time machine when they helped a couple to bring their baby into the world.
Their ‘back to the future’ moment was sparked when Gold Coast couple Lauren Wood and Jason Kelly started antenatal classes ahead of the birth of their first child in October 2020.
25 years earlier both Lauren and Jason’s parents had attended the same antenatal classes and formed a decades-long friendship after their chance meeting back in 1995.
Despite drifting apart over time, the antenatal class of 1995 held a reunion 16 years later, and that is when Lauren and Jason’s love story flourished.
“We were both attracted to each other pretty quickly. We’d arrange our own little catch ups and then here we are nine years after that reunion, we’re engaged and have welcomed our son Leo into the world,” Lauren said.
“It was an obvious choice for us to have our child at John Flynn, the staff and facilities are incredible and I’m so happy that this is where Leo’s life journey has started.”
“Leo is doing so well, he was born at 9 pounds, 14 ounces which was a surprise for everyone but we’re loving it and Jason is the most amazing dad,” she said.
Rhonda Wood said seeing her daughter Lauren give birth supported by the same midwives who had helped her deliver her three daughters in the 1990s was a moment she’ll never forget.
“Of all the midwives I remember Gaylene Hardwick the most and I knew her face straight away. John Flynn is just so special to me and it was wonderful to see my daughter experience the same amazing care,” Mrs Wood said.
Ms Hardwick said the family’s connection with John Flynn brought tears to her eyes.
“It’s absolutely a privilege to be part of a family’s story and part of a birth, and this was just the loveliest love story, it really touched my heart,” Ms Hardwick said.
“It’s so incredible how people meet and here we are, in the middle of COVID, this beautiful family just made our whole team so happy.”
Gaylene Hardwick is now the Nurse Unit Manager of John Flynn’s Maternity Unit. For more information about the hospital’s incredible maternity facilities head to www.johnflynnprivate.com.au/maternity
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