Teddy Bears' Picnic reunites San families

'Every bear that ever there was' gathered at Sydney Adventist Hospital for its 2025 Teddy Bears' Picnic.

Hundreds of families whose babies were delivered at New South Wales' largest private hospital in the past two years reunited with the doctors, midwives, and nurses who helped bring their children into the world.

Adventist Healthcare CEO Brett Goods said there were plenty of hugs as parents greeted staff like old friends, and celebrated all the milestones since leaving the hospital, also known as the San.

"It's such a personal experience, having a child and starting a family, and we feel very privileged to play a part in that journey," he said.

"We deliver about 2,000 babies here every year and each one is very special to us.

"It's always very touching to see our doctors and midwives reunited with these families because they develop such lasting connections."

About 30 obstetricians and 100 midwives work in the San's maternity unit, sometimes delivering many generations from the same family.

A trio of San midwives celebrated the birth of their own babies in 2025

Recently one grandmother proudly showed off her third grandchild, born at the San just like his mother.

And three San midwives all fell pregnant and gave birth to their own little girls, all within a few weeks of each other.

Their babies were among 3,900 born at the hospital in the past two years, including 37 sets of twins.

Each mother is traditionally given a small toy San Bear as a gift when she gives birth at the hospital, and once a year the giant version hosts a picnic at its grounds on the Wahroonga Estate with music, games and entertainment.

The much-loved tradition keeps the San community 'beary' happy indeed.

Read more: Teddy Bears' Picnic 'like a family reunion'

Read more: Teddy Bears' Picnic returns

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