No one knows how magical it is to meet a grandchild for the first time better than Sharon Ward.
The 59-year-old midwife at Brisbane's Mater Mothers' Hospital attended the births of two of her grandchildren in January and April this year – and she's planning to be at the births of two more grandchildren this November and December.
Sharing her story on Grandparents Day (27 October), Mrs Ward, who has worked at the hospital for 16 years, said there was "something special" about being at the birth of her grandchildren.
Mrs Ward has been present for the birth of three of her grandkids – Jesse (2), Analise (8 months) and Harvey (4) – but missed the birth of Grace (4) and Isaac (2).
Mrs Ward's children Jo, Ben, Josh, Abbi and Megan know their own children are in "good hands" with the doting Brisbane gran, who regularly helps with babysitting duties.
"My role as a grandma is very important to me, I love knowing the grandkids get excited to see me," she said.
"They make my heart explode, it just gets bigger each time!"
Mrs Ward is excited about welcoming two more bundles of joy to the family, with her daughter Megan's first baby due at Mater at the end of November, and her daughter-in-law Rosie due to give birth in December.
Mrs Ward, who has also worked as a midwife in the UK and the Congo, said she "absolutely adored" being around children.
"I love my role as a midwife and caring for mums and their babies," she said.
"Because of my role, I know and understand the decisions doctors have to make when a baby is being born."
She said meeting her grandchildren, and seeing their faces for the first time were the "best moments of my life".
"I remember the joy of seeing my own child becoming a mother. I had goosebumps when Harvey was born," Mrs Ward said.
"I have always felt it was God's reward for bringing up my own children.
"Every birth is so unique and such a blessing and every time I see my grandkids my heart grows."
Mrs Ward said it was an honour being on a journey with her daughters and daughters-in-law during their pregnancies.
"There's a sense of joy and seeing the couple's feel empowered during this journey is special," she said.
Featured image: Sharon Ward with her children and grandchildren.
