Surrogate grandmother a first for Epworth obstetrician

Caption: Dr. Stephen Cole (right), welcomes the arrival of baby Thomas with surrogate grandmother Lisa Sharp, her daughter Cassidy and partner Corey Macartney at Epworth Freemasons. Picture: Courtesy Herald Sun

Epworth Freemasons obstetrician Dr Stephen Cole has delivered more than 8000 babies so far, including a number of surrogate mothers.

But in late September, he managed his first surrogate grandmother delivery at Epworth Freemasons.

Lisa Sharp, 55, made national headlines when she gave birth to her first grandson Thomas, helping her daughter Cassidy and partner Corey Macartney realise their dreams of becoming parents.

Dr Cole said he manages a small number of surrogate births a year, but this was a first and very memorable experience for him.

He praised Epworth Freemasons for allowing all three family members to be present when Thomas was born.

“That doesn’t happen a lot in theatres so the hospital was really accommodating in terms of making it happen,” Dr Cole said.

“Everyone felt really comfortable.”