Saskatoon doctor has delivered at least 3,000 babies in 40-year career

Thousands of parents in Saskatoon owe a lot to Dr. Lee Old.

Old has been a family doctor in Saskatoon for 40 years, and said she’s delivered at least 3,000 babies in that time.

She explained to CKOM Morning Show host Mark Loshack why she he loves delivering babies so much.

Old said she has dealt with the unpleasant parts of a doctor’s job, including dealing with death and telling patients they have cancer, but delivering a baby is almost always a happy occasion.

“I think that’s part of the reason I love it so much,” she said.

Old said when she delivers a baby, she tries to involve dads in the experience by encouraging them to cut the umbilical cord.

“I figure they were there at the beginning; they should be there at the end,” she said with a laugh.

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“I’ve had some dads who are really queasy about cutting the cord, and I just hand them the scissors and go ‘Ok, you’re on!’”

She said cutting the cord can sometimes take more than one try, although many dads get it the first time.

“We give you a pair of scissors – and they look like kindergarten scissors honestly, like you had when you were five – so you have to cut numerous times,” she said.

Old said she’s even seen a few dads pass out during the experience.

“It’s always embarrassing when you have to send the dad for stitches,” she explained to Loshack.

Old said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is the sheer joy of seeing a new life enter the world.