Moments after her final visit to the obstetrician, Catriona Rowntree shared her joy with Woman’s Day editorial director Alana House.
Days before the birth of her first child, Catriona Rowntree relaxed over lunch with a girlfriend at Café Di Stasio in the Melbourne bayside suburb of St Kilda, then drove to the obstetrician for her weekly check-up.
Her doctor had exciting news — the baby’s head had engaged, so she could give birth at any time. He even speculated that the baby will be more than 4kg.
“I’m having a fat, happy baby,” Catriona laughs. “The ultrasound technician said, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s one well-nourished baby.'”
It’s been a hassle-free pregnancy, which the Getaway host puts down to healthy eating and exercise.
“I’ve done sensible things like choosing fruit over chocolate,” Catriona says. “I haven’t had one sick day. I’ve had moments when I’ve been tired, but it’s mainly because I’ve felt like I had to get everything done immediately.
“People tell me I should sit down and relax, but that’s not really me. I haven’t been able to switch off from work either. I’m constantly on the phone asking if they need me to do anything.”
As Woman’s Day caught up with Catriona, she was heading home for dinner with her family. Her husband James Pettit was cooking a labour-inducing curry, and her mother Heather and beloved 96-year-old grandmother Riria Smeaton were due to arrive at any moment to await the birth. They brought with them a family heirloom bassinet that until recently had been holding her brother’s three-month-old baby.
Catriona says it’s incredibly important to have these women by her side for the birth.
“My nan’s dearest wish was to see me walk down the aisle, and my dearest wish is for her to hold my baby,” she says.
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