Sam and Melanie enjoy their newborn love bubble at Emporium Hotel South Bank

Sam, Melanie and big sister Charlotte recently welcomed another beautiful little girl into their family, Ebony.

Melanie’s pre and post pregnancy journey for Charlotte and Ebony couldn’t have been more different.

At 30 weeks pregnant with Charlotte, Melanie was put on bed rest for a week of observation as her baby was showing restricted growth and measuring smaller than normal.

Charlotte was born on Mother’s Day in 2018, at 35+5 weeks gestation and weighed just two kilograms. She spent her first eight days being cared for in Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit.

But the second time around, Melanie and Sam were more relaxed.

“Sam and I were so excited to fall pregnant again, but we were mindful of our complications with Charlotte. We had the same obstetrician and felt supported the whole way through,” Melanie said.

“There were times we were worried our baby was on the smaller side as well, but she proved us all wrong when she came out screaming. Ebony weighed a healthy 3.2kg and was almost 10cm longer than her sister.

“This time around we felt a lot more comfortable with how the pregnancy was going. We chose not to find out what we were having and when she was born she was a good weight and healthy—so we decided to leave hospital early by spending two nights at Emporium Hotel South Bank.”

Mater Moments at Emporium Hotel South Bank—one of our Caring Continues options for eligible* private patients—allows families who are well enough to be discharged early, to journey home with a luxury hotel stay.

“We loved the idea of a luxurious stay at a boutique hotel to have some time for just the three of us between leaving hospital and arriving home.  

“It’s a really nice option to have that stepping stone,” Melanie said.

As part of the option, families have 24/7 access to a Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane midwife while at the hotel. 

“Even though we were feeling confident and Ebony is doing really well, knowing the midwives are only a phone call away was so reassuring,” Melanie said.

The couple have also enjoyed the privacy and quiet time they have been able to spend with Ebony before taking her home to meet her big sister.

“The room is very private, we have only seen one other family here. We are in a newborn love bubble and are enjoying every moment with our new little girl,” Melanie said.

For more information about Mater Moments at Emporium Hotel South Bank, click here or call 07 3163 1782.

*Subject to eligibility and availability.