Queen Victoria hospital 61 Albion Street, Annandale.
33 thoughts on “Queen Victoria Hospital”
I had a son at the Hospital in 1964 who was taken from me for adoption – I lived in the home and performed duties right up to the day I had him –
I went on to have six more children and a hysterectomy for cancer of the Cervix at 27. I searched for my son for years and found him when he was 28 – he has not been told he was adopted. It hurt him . He will be 50 next year.
I have come to terms with the adoption but the scars of how we were treated mentally by staff and parents scarred me for life. We were made feel like criminals.
My daughter was born at the same hospital in July 1964. I relate to the torture that has scarred my life as well as my daughters. Fortunately, with the intervention and support of my mother my baby was returned to me before any adoption was formalised, as I had previously been mislead to sign papers during heavy medication and been lied to about what I was signing (I was told my baby had to have an operation as she was very tiny). My baby was taken from me and taken to King George V Hospital at Camperdown. After several weeks I got to see my baby and eventually took her home (when she was 6 weeks old).
Like you Larraine, I lived in the home (of horror) and worked for my keep. I was at the home for 8 months in “confinement”.
I would like to link up with the other girls who were there at the home and share this common history.
If by now you and your wife are still looking to find information about her birth history,
Please, contact the NSW Department of Community Service and for a small fee they will research her back ground, which
will give her the true information recorded by the hospital at the time her Mother entered their.
1. Birth Mothers next of kin (parent etc),
2. Residential address of birth mother at time of entry to the hospital,
3. Father name and address if known at time of birth,
David, The information is out their,don’t give up,just asking DOC’s for help and then start checking information on NSW Births Deaths and Marriages site on line,Plus do some detective work yourselves.
I was born at this hospital in 1945, by the time I found out I was adopted my birth mother had passed away.
After my parents (Mum and Dad) passed away, I started to make inquires through Doc’s to find out if I was adopted.The answer came back yes, and they said you also have two half sisters and a half brother, bringing my total siblings to four.
Now, I am part of a wonderfull family,starting with my birth Mum, my parent’s (Mum and Dad),my siblings, and of course my wonderfull wife,children and grandchidren.
I am sure back then, the system run by the hospital for women and babies was thought to be the best option available at the time.
Looking back know now,I am sure my birth Mum thought, by giving me up for adoption, that it would work out to be the best thing for all concerned. Mothers always think of themselves last!!!
my mother was born at Annandale women’s hospital on the 08/06/1964 and still hurts to this day wanting to fill in the missing pieces by finding her birth mother (she knows very little details of the adoption and BM). I am hopeful that one day my mum will be able to meet her birth mother and bio family!
I was born at this hospital in September, as was my sister who was born 7 June 1966 (apparently stillborn) – well so the death certificate states.
I was just curious to figure out why my mother being unmarried both times, never mentioned that a lot of the babies at the time were taken or sent for adoption. Why didn’t she put me up for adoption? Instead she walked out of the hospital, me in her arms, handed me over to her aunt and uncle to raise so she could go off for a good time with her new boyfriend, and I never laid eyes on her again till I was 7 and then she tried to kidnap me back from them, I remember it all. Needless to say, court case occurred, I was eventually handed over to this person I never knew and so began my life of hell.
As for my baby sister.. I know nothing more, other than her birth date and where she is buried.
I cannot ask my mother any of this as she has dementia, and never was one for telling the truth to begin with unless it suited her.
My wife, Anaisi worked night shift at Queen Victoria as the sister in charge in the early seventies. I was always amazed at the number of births she delivered. The mother-to-be would go in to labour, Anaisi would ring the doctor to inform him, and invariably, the doc would arrive after the birth. She was there for a 1 or 2 years. Got to the stage where she would look at a mother to be and declare how many weeks pregnent she was, even when the mother hadn’t told anyone!!!
Hi. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in April 1962 at Queen Victoria. I remember one of the nursing sisters Named Joan she was one of the most caring people that I have met. I remember we had to do hard work in the laundry and as you where reaching your due date you would be given lighter duties e.g. kitchen hand. I can recall some fun times that us unwed mothers had in our dorms. We were not allowed to use our own names and also as well as working we had to pay 1 pound which was deducted from our social security cheque. I also would like to hear from any of the girls that were there from January 1962 to May 1962. You were definitely a stigma on society. I thing that there would not have been one of us girls that would not have given there right arm to have been able to keep our child. Unfortunately this was not to be. There is not some point in time that my son does not come into my thoughts. You always think that you have done the best for them but you live with the heartbreak for the rest of your days.
My husband was born there in 1958. Taken at birth(criminal act!!!) and given to a mentally-ill, barren woman in her late 40s and a cold,emotionally bankrupt man who were married and “deserving ” and “entitled” to a baby. His mother never married or had any other children due to extreme trauma. Social worker removed his fathers’ name from original birth certificate(criminal act!!!!) to get him out of the way of the adoption ( even though he had been going steady with his mother for 12 months ). We now know the names of all involved in kidnapping a vulnerable newborn. Doctor, midwives, social worker, JP(who witnessed a false document!) Child Welfare Department official and the Supreme Court official. We had always been told he wasn’t wanted(according the adoptive parents) by his mother!! His mother is the only one who will be recorded in our family history-adoptive “parents” are now referred to as kidnappers. I am so angry that this crime was covered up for 56 years. How cruel, stupid and ignorant all of those selfish people were!!! How dare they have been allowed to interfere in so many lives!!!To all of you wonderful, brave mothers please know that the truth was kept from your children and that you were thought of every day.The truth, at last, has been uncovered!! Thanks so much to Origins!!
I will always be depressed! my child was taken away from me,I have met her BUT the closeness is not there!!!
I try so hard, I never even had the choice—I know she had, still has a good life,At least these days a girl is helped in so many ways! thank heaven for that,!!
I have a loving family now ( lost one dearboy)THE HURT NEVER GOES AWAY !!!!
My husband was born at the hospital on 28 September 1966 and adopted by a local family at birth. He knows nothing of his birth mother however has agreed to look for her, given we now have children of our own and I think it would be good to know (if only to obtain a family medical history if available).
Not to mention the fact that it might have been an involuntary adoption and there is a lady out there who is grieving for her baby boy, some 48 years later.
We are only just starting this journey but would welcome contact from anyone who feels they may have some information on who David’s parents are.
Hi Kathleen,I was there from May till November that year,I’m not sure if I remember you, I was in charge of the roster for us girls for a while. Denise
I was not adopted. born robyn patricia morriss 11/07/1948. Are there any birth records other than what is on my birth certificate.ie time and weight of birth. Just asking out of interest. father’s name harry trevor morriss and mother Patricia jean morriss. sister also born in your hospital pamela anne morriss 9/10/1946.
My Father was born at this hospital in September 1971, we are currently looking for answers as to his birth mother etc and don’t know where to start. He was adopted by a local family and now live in Muswellbrook, NSW.
Hi I gave birth to my son in November 1971, so I probably knew your dads mum? I can’t remember too much but I remember one girl named Julie about 17,she was from Sutherland I think had a son, took him home for a week had a car accident and decided he should have a mum and dad and took him back to be adopted out,and another girl heather school teacher about 20, from country nsw or Newcastle. This won’t be much help but I did find my son a long time ago through an organisation called jigsaw,but it was not the best meeting as he was a drug addict and didn’t really want to know me too much which I have respected. I do remember the social worker at that time was a lovely lady Marjorie Asquith, she would most likely not be alive now,the last contact I had with her was in the late 80’s. Try the births register I hope you find her. Anyone who may have also been in the home around April to December 1971 I would like to hear from. Good luck
I gave birth to a daughter in this hospital on 27 October 1967, I was only 15, I also lived at the hone for 4 months prior to her birth, And yes was given work around the hone, mainly in the kitchen and setting up the dinner trays for the women in the hospital. Live was very hard there and us girls relied on each other to get through it, a lot of tears where she’d. My daughter was taken away straight after birth, the only thing I saw was little blue feet, and I asked if she was ok. A kind nurse there when I asked about her told me she looked like me. I would love to find her, to be able to explain the circumstances of her birth, to tell her she was loved very much by a young very scared mum, who came from a broken home with no real support, I would also like to hear from the girls that where here with me at this time and thank them for their friendship and help.
on booking into this hospital in August 1962 I did not realise until I had had my daughter that it was a home for unmarried moms
It was breakfast the next day…there was a young girl next to me from Newcastle that had a baby a week before..I saw 2 ladies hound this girl for several days to sign a paper…broke my heart as she could hear her baby crying in the nursery…she was in there for 3/4 days and then leaving…she returned with a gold bracelet with the baby’s name on it and was promised it would be given to the the adoptive parents … I never saw her again….2 days later a young las had a baby boy a big baby boy with red hair..she stood her grounds no way they were getting her baby she was a toughie..I left a few days after this and still do I think of those girls and wonder what happened to them…
I had a beautiful baby boy here in June 1961. Fortunately I was married & had a fantastic Dr Speight who had delivered me 20 yrs before. I did see the unmarried pregnant girls when they bought me meals and seeing as I was there for 2 weeks became friendly with the girls whom I saw regularly. Not once did these girls complain & it was from them I learnt of their plights. These particular girls seemed quite happy to have their babies in such a pretty place & for free {so they told me] & at peace to give those babies up as they were very young. It was a stigma in those times & the ones [about 4 as I recall] that I saw regularly were from away from Sydney & said where they came from people didn’t know their circumstances. I thought it was a lovely idea at the time & very convenient for them so they could have a new start in life. I did see the sisters talking to them at times & they seemed very nice to them. I can only state it as I saw it & have often told friends what a great idea it was for these unfortunate young girls.
I was born at this hospital 14/11/1962. My birth mothers name may have been Sandra Millard. I think she was18 but I just don’t know. I have had amazing adoptive parents and my darling Mum is still alive. But I do wonder about what my birth mother looked like. Who she was. Who she loved. What happened in her life. I know she must have had good reasons for not being able to keep me. I guess I would just like to know her story or some of it. I am happy and have a wonderful family of my own. But there is always a longing which just doesn’t leave to know something. Or someone who knew her.
Hi Heather,
I have come across your post on this website. I think your birth mother is the sister of my father, the dates and story match up. Hopefully you get this email. I am looking to hearing from you. Kind Regards,
My brother was born in March 1971 at this Hospital. We believed he was given up for adoption but after reading all the above comments I am starting to wonder. Maybe the mother didn’t have a choice. Nathan was born with medical conditions and became a ward of the state when my mother found him in Blacktown hospital and she adopted him.
Nathan is now wanting to find his parents and we have names of his parents so if any of this rings a bell to anyone please contact me.
Thank you kindly
My mum gave birth to my older half sister in February 1961. Mums name was Joan Margaret Flower, but she was known by her middle name, as there was another joan staying there too. She has told me of the aweful times staying there. and of the trauma of the forced adoption and not being allowed to see her baby while being heavily drugged too. Anyway, My sister was also named Linda at birth( same as me!) and was adopted by a couple from Croydon. You just never know if this is the post online that may bring information to me to find my “big sister”.
I was born here in July 1971. Dr Walker, Sister Fabri and Nurse Roberts. I wasn’t adopted and my birth certificate has both parents name etc. As far as I know these are my actual parents. I lived with them and they raised me as normal. After reading through these comments it seems that the hospital was for unmarried women who adopted their children out. Was it also run as a normal maternity hospital, or am I missing something here. I know my parents lived in the area and weren’t very well off.
I was born here in February 1971. Sister Roper, Nurse Hilton – no doctor registered. My teenage parents kept me, marrying later but divorcing by the time I was 4 yo. I am heritage of the “red rattler” from Armidale to Sydney. My great-grandmother was Mum’s only real support within the families at the time saying “Only the good girls get caught”. I think how Mum transferred her (indoctrinated) shame into defiance has worn off on me – and I really feel for everyone involved with this shocking and tragic stage of Australian history. I always had a sense that my birth was a bit unusual from comments Mum would make from time to time as I was growing up. Seeing the horrifying experiences of many young women in this establishment has led to me seeking additional oral history – Mum recalls the rigorous work routines in the months before my birth, the medicated girls, the repeated litany “If you *really* love your child, you will give it up”, from the staff. Her strategy was to say “yes” to everything asked by the staff until the final signing of the papers – then she walked out with me.
My Best Wishes and Sincerest Condolences to all who have had their family links mutilated by the practices at the Queen Victoria Hospital for Women and Babies.
My Great grandmother was unmarried and had at least 1 child (1904) at QV House Albion Street, BUT another 5 children were born to her at various other hospitals in Sydney between 1906 and 1919 – ALL 5 were sent to foster homes, with no father recorded on any of their birth certificates.
Was it common practice to take away the children of unmarried mothers in the early 1900s? Any advice would be gratefully received.
My name is Heather, I was born at 8.30am to Heather and George Doyle on the 28th June 1944 My mother told me out side her room through the window she could see a rose bush with a white rose bud, after she was taken away to the delivery room and returned to her room the rose bud had opened.
I was the third child to be born tomy parents, my siblings weren’t born at the same hospital as me
I am saddened by these stories and want to tell of the joy I experienced in the birthing room 50 years ago yesterday when our first daughter was born. The care of doctors and staff of both my wife and me over the days we were there was outstanding. Sadly, by the time daughter number 2 came two years later the hospital was closed. We went on to adopt two (older) boys who were in dire circumstances.
That meant as well as the joy that came with the privileged position of our daughters with both parents able to be with them right through their own parenting, we also could share the anguish of parents who could not live with their sons. One was abandoned at a month old, and it is still hard to be his parents 40 odd years later. The other boy was with family for two years before it disintegrated – but that was enough time to give him the grounding in love that we could build on. He is the most caring and generous man one could meet.
The 1970’s saw a dramatic change for unmarried mothers, but I believe that improvements in all forms of parenting will need to emerge.
I had a son at the Hospital in 1964 who was taken from me for adoption – I lived in the home and performed duties right up to the day I had him –
I went on to have six more children and a hysterectomy for cancer of the Cervix at 27. I searched for my son for years and found him when he was 28 – he has not been told he was adopted. It hurt him . He will be 50 next year.
I have come to terms with the adoption but the scars of how we were treated mentally by staff and parents scarred me for life. We were made feel like criminals.
L
Dear Larraine,
My daughter was born at the same hospital in July 1964. I relate to the torture that has scarred my life as well as my daughters. Fortunately, with the intervention and support of my mother my baby was returned to me before any adoption was formalised, as I had previously been mislead to sign papers during heavy medication and been lied to about what I was signing (I was told my baby had to have an operation as she was very tiny). My baby was taken from me and taken to King George V Hospital at Camperdown. After several weeks I got to see my baby and eventually took her home (when she was 6 weeks old).
Like you Larraine, I lived in the home (of horror) and worked for my keep. I was at the home for 8 months in “confinement”.
I would like to link up with the other girls who were there at the home and share this common history.
My regards to you Larraine.
Dellas
My wife was born in the hospital in 1973, she has not found her birth mother…where would be the best place to start?
Hi Michael,
If by now you and your wife are still looking to find information about her birth history,
Please, contact the NSW Department of Community Service and for a small fee they will research her back ground, which
will give her the true information recorded by the hospital at the time her Mother entered their.
1. Birth Mothers next of kin (parent etc),
2. Residential address of birth mother at time of entry to the hospital,
3. Father name and address if known at time of birth,
David, The information is out their,don’t give up,just asking DOC’s for help and then start checking information on NSW Births Deaths and Marriages site on line,Plus do some detective work yourselves.
I was born at this hospital in 1945, by the time I found out I was adopted my birth mother had passed away.
After my parents (Mum and Dad) passed away, I started to make inquires through Doc’s to find out if I was adopted.The answer came back yes, and they said you also have two half sisters and a half brother, bringing my total siblings to four.
Now, I am part of a wonderfull family,starting with my birth Mum, my parent’s (Mum and Dad),my siblings, and of course my wonderfull wife,children and grandchidren.
I am sure back then, the system run by the hospital for women and babies was thought to be the best option available at the time.
Looking back know now,I am sure my birth Mum thought, by giving me up for adoption, that it would work out to be the best thing for all concerned. Mothers always think of themselves last!!!
my mother was born at Annandale women’s hospital on the 08/06/1964 and still hurts to this day wanting to fill in the missing pieces by finding her birth mother (she knows very little details of the adoption and BM). I am hopeful that one day my mum will be able to meet her birth mother and bio family!
I was born at this hospital in September, as was my sister who was born 7 June 1966 (apparently stillborn) – well so the death certificate states.
I was just curious to figure out why my mother being unmarried both times, never mentioned that a lot of the babies at the time were taken or sent for adoption. Why didn’t she put me up for adoption? Instead she walked out of the hospital, me in her arms, handed me over to her aunt and uncle to raise so she could go off for a good time with her new boyfriend, and I never laid eyes on her again till I was 7 and then she tried to kidnap me back from them, I remember it all. Needless to say, court case occurred, I was eventually handed over to this person I never knew and so began my life of hell.
As for my baby sister.. I know nothing more, other than her birth date and where she is buried.
I cannot ask my mother any of this as she has dementia, and never was one for telling the truth to begin with unless it suited her.
My wife, Anaisi worked night shift at Queen Victoria as the sister in charge in the early seventies. I was always amazed at the number of births she delivered. The mother-to-be would go in to labour, Anaisi would ring the doctor to inform him, and invariably, the doc would arrive after the birth. She was there for a 1 or 2 years. Got to the stage where she would look at a mother to be and declare how many weeks pregnent she was, even when the mother hadn’t told anyone!!!
Hi. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in April 1962 at Queen Victoria. I remember one of the nursing sisters Named Joan she was one of the most caring people that I have met. I remember we had to do hard work in the laundry and as you where reaching your due date you would be given lighter duties e.g. kitchen hand. I can recall some fun times that us unwed mothers had in our dorms. We were not allowed to use our own names and also as well as working we had to pay 1 pound which was deducted from our social security cheque. I also would like to hear from any of the girls that were there from January 1962 to May 1962. You were definitely a stigma on society. I thing that there would not have been one of us girls that would not have given there right arm to have been able to keep our child. Unfortunately this was not to be. There is not some point in time that my son does not come into my thoughts. You always think that you have done the best for them but you live with the heartbreak for the rest of your days.
Hello Pam,
I was born at Queen Victoria late March 1962, you would have known my birth mother.
I am just starting the journey to find her, all my life I have felt so lonely & unwanted even though I had decent adoptive parents.
Hopefully she & I can meet, I would love to hear her story.
My husband was born there in 1958. Taken at birth(criminal act!!!) and given to a mentally-ill, barren woman in her late 40s and a cold,emotionally bankrupt man who were married and “deserving ” and “entitled” to a baby. His mother never married or had any other children due to extreme trauma. Social worker removed his fathers’ name from original birth certificate(criminal act!!!!) to get him out of the way of the adoption ( even though he had been going steady with his mother for 12 months ). We now know the names of all involved in kidnapping a vulnerable newborn. Doctor, midwives, social worker, JP(who witnessed a false document!) Child Welfare Department official and the Supreme Court official. We had always been told he wasn’t wanted(according the adoptive parents) by his mother!! His mother is the only one who will be recorded in our family history-adoptive “parents” are now referred to as kidnappers. I am so angry that this crime was covered up for 56 years. How cruel, stupid and ignorant all of those selfish people were!!! How dare they have been allowed to interfere in so many lives!!!To all of you wonderful, brave mothers please know that the truth was kept from your children and that you were thought of every day.The truth, at last, has been uncovered!! Thanks so much to Origins!!
I will always be depressed! my child was taken away from me,I have met her BUT the closeness is not there!!!
I try so hard, I never even had the choice—I know she had, still has a good life,At least these days a girl is helped in so many ways! thank heaven for that,!!
I have a loving family now ( lost one dearboy)THE HURT NEVER GOES AWAY !!!!
Hello Pam,
I was born at Queen Victoria late March 1962, you would have known my birth mother.
I am just starting the journey to find her, all my life I have felt so lonely & unwanted even though I had decent adoptive parents.
Hopefully she & I can meet, I would love to hear her story.
My husband was born at the hospital on 28 September 1966 and adopted by a local family at birth. He knows nothing of his birth mother however has agreed to look for her, given we now have children of our own and I think it would be good to know (if only to obtain a family medical history if available).
Not to mention the fact that it might have been an involuntary adoption and there is a lady out there who is grieving for her baby boy, some 48 years later.
We are only just starting this journey but would welcome contact from anyone who feels they may have some information on who David’s parents are.
I had a baby girl here in October 1971 at the age of 19.
Hi Kathleen,I was there from May till November that year,I’m not sure if I remember you, I was in charge of the roster for us girls for a while. Denise
I had my baby girl here in January 1972. I wonder if I knew you My name was Sandra Walker
I was not adopted. born robyn patricia morriss 11/07/1948. Are there any birth records other than what is on my birth certificate.ie time and weight of birth. Just asking out of interest. father’s name harry trevor morriss and mother Patricia jean morriss. sister also born in your hospital pamela anne morriss 9/10/1946.
My Father was born at this hospital in September 1971, we are currently looking for answers as to his birth mother etc and don’t know where to start. He was adopted by a local family and now live in Muswellbrook, NSW.
Hi I gave birth to my son in November 1971, so I probably knew your dads mum? I can’t remember too much but I remember one girl named Julie about 17,she was from Sutherland I think had a son, took him home for a week had a car accident and decided he should have a mum and dad and took him back to be adopted out,and another girl heather school teacher about 20, from country nsw or Newcastle. This won’t be much help but I did find my son a long time ago through an organisation called jigsaw,but it was not the best meeting as he was a drug addict and didn’t really want to know me too much which I have respected. I do remember the social worker at that time was a lovely lady Marjorie Asquith, she would most likely not be alive now,the last contact I had with her was in the late 80’s. Try the births register I hope you find her. Anyone who may have also been in the home around April to December 1971 I would like to hear from. Good luck
I gave birth to a daughter in this hospital on 27 October 1967, I was only 15, I also lived at the hone for 4 months prior to her birth, And yes was given work around the hone, mainly in the kitchen and setting up the dinner trays for the women in the hospital. Live was very hard there and us girls relied on each other to get through it, a lot of tears where she’d. My daughter was taken away straight after birth, the only thing I saw was little blue feet, and I asked if she was ok. A kind nurse there when I asked about her told me she looked like me. I would love to find her, to be able to explain the circumstances of her birth, to tell her she was loved very much by a young very scared mum, who came from a broken home with no real support, I would also like to hear from the girls that where here with me at this time and thank them for their friendship and help.
on booking into this hospital in August 1962 I did not realise until I had had my daughter that it was a home for unmarried moms
It was breakfast the next day…there was a young girl next to me from Newcastle that had a baby a week before..I saw 2 ladies hound this girl for several days to sign a paper…broke my heart as she could hear her baby crying in the nursery…she was in there for 3/4 days and then leaving…she returned with a gold bracelet with the baby’s name on it and was promised it would be given to the the adoptive parents … I never saw her again….2 days later a young las had a baby boy a big baby boy with red hair..she stood her grounds no way they were getting her baby she was a toughie..I left a few days after this and still do I think of those girls and wonder what happened to them…
I had a beautiful baby boy here in June 1961. Fortunately I was married & had a fantastic Dr Speight who had delivered me 20 yrs before. I did see the unmarried pregnant girls when they bought me meals and seeing as I was there for 2 weeks became friendly with the girls whom I saw regularly. Not once did these girls complain & it was from them I learnt of their plights. These particular girls seemed quite happy to have their babies in such a pretty place & for free {so they told me] & at peace to give those babies up as they were very young. It was a stigma in those times & the ones [about 4 as I recall] that I saw regularly were from away from Sydney & said where they came from people didn’t know their circumstances. I thought it was a lovely idea at the time & very convenient for them so they could have a new start in life. I did see the sisters talking to them at times & they seemed very nice to them. I can only state it as I saw it & have often told friends what a great idea it was for these unfortunate young girls.
I was born at this hospital 14/11/1962. My birth mothers name may have been Sandra Millard. I think she was18 but I just don’t know. I have had amazing adoptive parents and my darling Mum is still alive. But I do wonder about what my birth mother looked like. Who she was. Who she loved. What happened in her life. I know she must have had good reasons for not being able to keep me. I guess I would just like to know her story or some of it. I am happy and have a wonderful family of my own. But there is always a longing which just doesn’t leave to know something. Or someone who knew her.
Hi Heather,
I have come across your post on this website. I think your birth mother is the sister of my father, the dates and story match up. Hopefully you get this email. I am looking to hearing from you. Kind Regards,
Katharine Millard
Hi Heather,
Are you still wanting to connect??? I would love to connect with you…. Please email, if you feel you can xxx
Katharine
My brother was born in March 1971 at this Hospital. We believed he was given up for adoption but after reading all the above comments I am starting to wonder. Maybe the mother didn’t have a choice. Nathan was born with medical conditions and became a ward of the state when my mother found him in Blacktown hospital and she adopted him.
Nathan is now wanting to find his parents and we have names of his parents so if any of this rings a bell to anyone please contact me.
Thank you kindly
Sharon
My mum gave birth to my older half sister in February 1961. Mums name was Joan Margaret Flower, but she was known by her middle name, as there was another joan staying there too. She has told me of the aweful times staying there. and of the trauma of the forced adoption and not being allowed to see her baby while being heavily drugged too. Anyway, My sister was also named Linda at birth( same as me!) and was adopted by a couple from Croydon. You just never know if this is the post online that may bring information to me to find my “big sister”.
Yours in kindness and healing,
Lin
I was born here in July 1971. Dr Walker, Sister Fabri and Nurse Roberts. I wasn’t adopted and my birth certificate has both parents name etc. As far as I know these are my actual parents. I lived with them and they raised me as normal. After reading through these comments it seems that the hospital was for unmarried women who adopted their children out. Was it also run as a normal maternity hospital, or am I missing something here. I know my parents lived in the area and weren’t very well off.
Any Info would be good.
Tony.
I was born here in February 1971. Sister Roper, Nurse Hilton – no doctor registered. My teenage parents kept me, marrying later but divorcing by the time I was 4 yo. I am heritage of the “red rattler” from Armidale to Sydney. My great-grandmother was Mum’s only real support within the families at the time saying “Only the good girls get caught”. I think how Mum transferred her (indoctrinated) shame into defiance has worn off on me – and I really feel for everyone involved with this shocking and tragic stage of Australian history. I always had a sense that my birth was a bit unusual from comments Mum would make from time to time as I was growing up. Seeing the horrifying experiences of many young women in this establishment has led to me seeking additional oral history – Mum recalls the rigorous work routines in the months before my birth, the medicated girls, the repeated litany “If you *really* love your child, you will give it up”, from the staff. Her strategy was to say “yes” to everything asked by the staff until the final signing of the papers – then she walked out with me.
My Best Wishes and Sincerest Condolences to all who have had their family links mutilated by the practices at the Queen Victoria Hospital for Women and Babies.
I’m wondering how far back these separations go?
My Great grandmother was unmarried and had at least 1 child (1904) at QV House Albion Street, BUT another 5 children were born to her at various other hospitals in Sydney between 1906 and 1919 – ALL 5 were sent to foster homes, with no father recorded on any of their birth certificates.
Was it common practice to take away the children of unmarried mothers in the early 1900s? Any advice would be gratefully received.
My name is Heather, I was born at 8.30am to Heather and George Doyle on the 28th June 1944 My mother told me out side her room through the window she could see a rose bush with a white rose bud, after she was taken away to the delivery room and returned to her room the rose bud had opened.
I was the third child to be born tomy parents, my siblings weren’t born at the same hospital as me
I am saddened by these stories and want to tell of the joy I experienced in the birthing room 50 years ago yesterday when our first daughter was born. The care of doctors and staff of both my wife and me over the days we were there was outstanding. Sadly, by the time daughter number 2 came two years later the hospital was closed. We went on to adopt two (older) boys who were in dire circumstances.
That meant as well as the joy that came with the privileged position of our daughters with both parents able to be with them right through their own parenting, we also could share the anguish of parents who could not live with their sons. One was abandoned at a month old, and it is still hard to be his parents 40 odd years later. The other boy was with family for two years before it disintegrated – but that was enough time to give him the grounding in love that we could build on. He is the most caring and generous man one could meet.
The 1970’s saw a dramatic change for unmarried mothers, but I believe that improvements in all forms of parenting will need to emerge.