“They helped us get through the most stressful and magical days of our lives.”

“I know not many people can say they had fun during labour, but I can,” said mother of two, Cynthia Premakumar. Looking back on the births of her children, Cynthia has many fond memories that she holds close to her heart. 

Both her son, Logan, and her daughter, Luna, were delivered at the Oshawa Hospital by Dr. Greg Athaide, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Co-Medical Director, Women and Children’s Program.

“We didn’t know the sex of our children before they were born, so both times we were very excited for the surprise,” said Cynthia. “I told Dr. Athaide that my labour plan was to go with the flow, but I did have one request; that he hold my baby up in the air to let me see the sex first, just like in the Lion King movie. He did exactly that, which made each of their births so memorable!”

Cynthia credits her “rockstar” health-care team, including nurse Jacquie McGee, for helping make her birth experiences a success. “Of course, we had our stressors and fears knowing that I wanted to try my best for a natural birth and that there were a few possible complications,” explained Cynthia. “However, being surrounded by my loving family and an energetic, knowledgeable, and supportive health-care team that we got along with so well made our experiences very successful.”

Both Cynthia and her husband felt very lucky to have been greeted by a wonderful group of nurses, and to have had Dr. Athaide deliver both of their children. “The team that cared for us during both of our hospital stays will forever hold a special place in our hearts,” said Cynthia. “Everyone really cared and helped us get through the most stressful and magical days of our lives and I cannot say thank you enough.”