Hey baby! SESLHD hospitals prepare for a ‘baby boom’

Births are on the rise and antenatal appointments are on the increase, with an impending baby boom keeping SESLHD maternity staff on their toes recently.

Sutherland Hospital broke its record for the highest number of births in a month, with 140 babies arriving throughout March. The previous record number was back in July 2014 when 131 babies arrived.

Gemma Curtis, Midwifery Unit Manager, Maternity Services, Sutherland Hospital said: “Our midwives have worked really well as a team and should be very proud of their efforts to keep the women and families of the Sutherland Shire safe and well.”  

St George Hospital also had a busy March, with 239 babies born – the highest monthly figure for over five years. Monique Keevers, Acting Midwifery Unit Manager, Birthing Services, St George Hospital, said the hospital hasn’t seen birth numbers this high in a long time.

“Our midwives have been exceptionally busy for the past few months and it looks like the coming months will be even busier,” Ms Keevers said.

Antenatal bookings have risen exponentially over at the Royal Hospital for Women, as the hospital prepares for a record-breaking number of births this month.

Donna Garland, Acting General Manager at the Royal Hospital for Women, said: “I’m thrilled to announce we are expecting 399 babies in May. This is the highest number of births recorded for this month in 20 years!”

The hospital has already welcomed 1,386 babies into the world in 2021, a 12 per cent increase from this time last year, where they had just 1,232 bubs.

Ms Garland said whilst her staff are working tirelessly, the hospital is as prepared as can be. “It’s always exciting and special to help couples welcome a new family member,” Ms Garland said.