Memories In The Making

This week, we celebrated 25 years of the QCH Childbirth Unit!

To mark the occasion, we asked our community to share their memories, and the responses we received were truly incredible. 

We're excited to share these stories with you!

Kristin Lagman

"I delivered at QCH in January 2023. I also was admitted to the birth unit halfway through my pregnancy because of hyperemesis gravidarum. And even though I was stuck to IVs for 5 days and couldn't even open my eyes long enough to have a proper conversation, I still remember every nurse who treated me with the utmost care and kindness and supported me through my darkest time. The diligent team at QCH (combined with the power of my awesome midwives) saved my life on multiple occasions throughout my pregnancy and birth. I have the biggest appreciation for the amazing crew of round the clock nurses and OBs who pulled me out of hyperemesis gravidarum and also, like a well-oiled machine, got me to move my sickness stricken body back and forth to keep my son's heartbeat going in the womb long enough to get me to the operating table. I will never forget the incredible care I received. There are happy memories too, like the toilet that comically signaled it was time for me to be discharged by continually flushing. Even Security was stumped at the toilet phantom! We also got a lesson on how to strap in our little one for the first time right in the QCH lobby by a very calm nurse who was so kind to take the time to come back out and meet us frantic first time parents. There was also my calm, cool, and collected anaesthesiologist who willingly answered my questions and talked to me during my emergency C and also very thoughtfully settled my husband and I's rumination on how to spell our son's middle name. And lastly, the so funny and patient person who carted me on a gurney from my room to my ultrasound appointment, stopping every so often whenever I asked because of my motion sickness even when we were 5 feet away from my door. I can't say I look back fondly on my pregnancy and birth on the whole, but my memories of my times at QCH will always bring a smile to my face. I may just be one of the many, many lives you have touched, but your support when I needed it most meant the world to me. I will always be grateful that my son and I are healthy because of the outstanding birth unit team at QCH. We would not be here without you. Wishing you the very best and even more years to come. Congratulations on 25 years!"

Linda Rodier

"I wish to extend my Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the Childbirth Centre. I worked in the Mother and Baby Unit for about 15 years. As a matter of fact, I worked on the very first day that the Unit opened in 1999. I looked after the first patient admitted to the unit, a post partum woman who was transferred to the QCH from the Grace Hospital with her newborn. There were some challenges as the former Grace Hospital staff joined the QCH family. The unit was new and the procedures and charting were different but the work - looking after new moms and their babies was the most important task for the staff and that was exactly the same. I totally enjoyed my years working with new parents, teaching them how to care for their new son or daughter. All 4 of my grandchildren were born at QCH and I was lucky enough to be present at the birth or shortly after. Parents and grandparents were always welcomed. I have recommended the hospital to many expectant parents, knowing that they will have a good birthing and post partum experience."

Nora Smith

"I am so glad I get to share my experience and wonderful story about the QCH labour unit and hospital. I had my daughter back in 2010 and what an experience! I will never forget the care and compassion I received from the staff especially Victoria the nurse who was with me from the minute I was admitted. Victoria was so calm so caring and very supportive. I had my mother and husband with me and they both will tell you how amazing Victoria was. To this day I speak I about her to my daughter!! Through the tear of fear and the unknown she held my hand and supported me. I will forever be grateful for her. She brought my daughter to me after she was examined and Victoria and I cried for minute but happy tears and all I can hear her saying is "you did it". What a special memory what a beautiful experience. Thank you to the QCH for always being so great and caring! Congratulations to 25 years!!"