The race is won for the first Mackay baby of 2021

Each year there is a friendly ‘rivalry’ between Mackay Base Hospital and the Mater.

Mackay midwives were competing for the first baby of 2021. Pictured is Grace Audrey Middleton, who was born at Mackay Base Hospital weighing 4000g on April 24. She is the daughter of James and Amberley Middleton and a little sister for Thomas. Grace is the granddaughter of Grant and Shelagh Ford and Anne and Russell Middleton.

Midwives at the Mackay Base Hospital have won the annual friendly rivalry for the first Mackay baby of the year.

A spokeswoman announced a New Year’s Day baby has just been delivered safely.

Mater Hospital midwife Christine Sinclair said they had been phoning each other throughout the day to see who which team would make it first.

“We always do it,” Ms Sinclair said.

“It’s a little bit of friendly rivalry we have.”

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The nurse of 46 years said they also competed on Mother’s Day and Christmas Day.

“We don’t have any in labour at the moment, most of our (mums) have been and gone before Christmas,” she said.

“The Mackay Base Hospital won Christmas as well — we didn’t have babies until Boxing Day.

“But all babies are special, they really are.

“I wouldn’t differentiate them from one day to another.

“They’re all god’s gifts. I love them all.”

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