Story: Pregnancy, birth and baby care

Mothers' lounge, St Helens Hospital, Wellington, 1970

Mothers' lounge, St Helens Hospital, Wellington, 1970

Changes were made to hospital environments and policies in response to criticisms from mothers and other commentators. Delivery suites were redecorated to make them more home-like and lounges were provided for women. This group of women are relaxing with their knitting in a lounge at Wellington's St Helens Hospital in 1970. The absence of obvious pregnant bellies suggests this was some time after their children's birth. A nurse is bringing in a tray of refreshments.

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Archives New Zealand – Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQT 6401/A94,415
Photograph by W. Neill

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Pregnancy, birth and baby care - Childbirth, 1950s to 1980s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/26169/mothers-lounge-st-helens-hospital-wellington-1970 (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 24 Oct 2018