Sisters Jackie and Kaitlan were overjoyed to discover they were both expecting baby girls at the same time.
What they didn’t expect was that they would give birth just a day apart, and only rooms away from each other, in the new Peninsula University Hospital maternity unit.
Baby Addison, Kaitlan’s daughter, was born on 13 May, while Jackie’s daughter, Elora, arrived the following day on 14 May.
But the close timing didn’t start there. Kaitlain discovered she was pregnant just a day after Jackie had shared her own news.
“I showed my partner a positive test the next day, and we were so excited, scared and feeling all the emotions at once. We were going to be parents too,” explains Kaitlan.
“It was amazing watching our bumps grow together. Having my sister reassure me every step of the way made everything feel less daunting.”
While they had different birth experiences, one natural and the other an emergency caesarean, both Kaitlan and Jackie described their time at the hospital as extremely supportive.
“All the doctors and midwives were so caring; I felt safe about every decision that came my way,” says Kaitlan.
“The new hospital felt clean and organised. The doctors and midwives were very professional, but also up for a laugh or a chat, which made the environment feel calm,” adds Jackie.
Now settling back into life at home, both sisters are looking forward to watching the bond between their daughters grow.
“It’s exciting and so beautiful knowing they will grow up so close together and experience life side by side,” says Jackie.
“Kait and I have been close our whole lives, being just a year apart, it’s really special to know our girls will be too.”
Congratulations to Kaitlan and Jackie on their growing families.