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.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand – Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: AAQT 6401/A94,415

by W. Neill

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

All images & media in this story

Comments

Colin Taylor
24 July 2023

I was allowed in to be present and experience the birth of my son Jeremy in St Helens on July 26, 1973, with the obstetrician being Dr Diana Mason - dressed in white overalls and wearing yellow gumboots.

Gail
03 October 2017

I had both my children in St Helens, my daughter in 1974 and my son in 1975. I thought it was an excellent hospital. Being able to "room in"with my babies was cutting edge in those days. And my husband was one of the first (I think) to be allowed into the delivery room. He even took photos, much to the disgust of my old-school and very disapproving obstetrician.

Bryce Dermody
07 November 2013

This was an amazing hospital. I was the smallest baby born there in 1976. I weighed in at only 1Ib and 3oz, nobody thought I had a hope of survival but somehow these amazing people did the impossible. Thank You Regards Bryce G Bennett

Change language

Story: Pregnancy, birth and baby care