Mater Mothers' and Lucas celebrate 10th birthday

Ten years ago Suzy Woodward went into labour, it was her first pregnancy and she was excited and nervous all at the same time.

As her contractions stared at home in the evening she noted the date 3 June 2008, her due date was 4 June 2008, and the same day the new Mater Mothers’ Hospitals was due to open.

“When the contractions first started I wanted to hold on, I remember being told that the new hospital opened at 7 am on 4 June,” said Suzy.

“I started having contractions and they weren’t too bad but as they started getting stronger I decided it was time to head to the hospital. When we arrived it was right on 7am and I was the first patient through the door!” said Suzy.

“It was amazing to be in the new hospital and especially when I was the first and only person in the birth suites,” Suzy said.

Suzy remembers that by the time she was in established labour she could hear other mothers being brought into the birth suites.

At 9.40 am on 4 June 2008, Suzy welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Lucas, the first baby to born at the new Mater Mothers’ Hospitals.

“I had visited the old hospital for my antenatal classes so I immediately noticed the difference when I came to the new hospital.

“It was lovely and modern and the midwives were still unpacking equipment,” she said.

Suzy delivered two more babies at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane.

Since it opened its doors 96 719 Mater babies have joined Lucas. We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years brings!