She remembers feeling anxious and a little apprehensive.

To see the facilities and rooms, meet the staff, and ask reams of questions would have been helpful, she said.

Hobart’s expectant mums can do just that when Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital maternity unit opens its doors from 10am to 12 noon on Sunday, 17 November 2024.

“I would have like to have gone along myself back then,” said Renee, now a mother of three, all born at Calvary. “It would definitely have helped.”

Midwife Unit Manager Sally Jarvis said expectant and prospective parents could come along, tour the facilities, see the rooms, including the spacious deluxe suite, meet the midwives and obstetricians, and have their questions answered.

“It is such a pivotal, important time in parents’ lives, and they want to feel reassured and confident that they and their baby will be in safe hands,” Ms Jarvis said.

“It is rare that they get the chance to ask all the questions that are on their mind, see the facilities, and meet the midwives and team that will be caring for them at the birth and the days afterward.”

She said those questions ranged from pain relief to what to bring to hospital.

“When women phone the unit to enquire or book in for their stay, they often want to know practical things like when to come in, what to bring, who and how many people can be with them at the birth, what facilities are available for their partners, who often stays in hospital with the mums.

“They want to be prepared and know what to expect, as much as is possible anyway. So, they will often want to see the room and birthing suite, or even our special care nursery, which is here if needed.

“And they want to meet the team so that they know they can relate to the people who are going to be taking care of them and their baby.

“All of those things can help allay any concerns or anxieties they might have.”

Director of Clinical Services Leah Magliano, herself a midwife, said Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital had provided mother and baby-centred services since the first baby was born there in 1941.

“We have been caring for mums and families of Hobart and the surrounding areas for more than 80 years. It is an enduring legacy, and we are proud of our reputation for providing high-quality obstetric services in a warm and caring environment,” Ms Magliano said.

Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital is at 49 Augusta Road, Lenah Valley.