Angliss and Box Hill hospital maternity wards experience influx of baby births
It’s been nine months since the AFL grand final — and more than 50 mums gave birth in 72 hours at two hospitals in Melbourne’s east recently. Coincidence, maybe? One midwife reckons an old wives’ tale could be behind the boom.
Outer East
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Whether it was the celebratory spirit of Grand Final Day or the mystical effects of the storm that night, midwives had their hands full helping deliver more than 50 babies during a busy 72 hours in Melbourne’s east.
Eastern Health doctors and midwives were busy caring for mums giving birth at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully and Box Hill Hospital with one being born almost every hour and a half.
The pandemic baby boom happened in the hours leading up to, including and following June 1, with Box Hill staff delivering 37 babies in 72 hours and the Angliss with 15 in 24 hours.
New parents Julie Hallford and Alan Chilton welcomed their baby girl Isabella into the world during the boom at Box Hill Hospital on June 1.
The couple said everyone at the hospital was fantastic during labour and birth care, and they felt safe and cared for well.
Angliss Hospital Birthing Suite unit manager Maryse Meale said while she didn’t know if the Grand Final was the cause, she knew of an old wives’ tale that storms led to babies.
“An old wives’ tale tells us when a storm comes, lots of women will come in, and there was quite a storm on June 1,” Ms Meale said.
She said both of the hospitals’ staff, who were usually were able to support each other and take overflow, were inundated with expectant mothers.
Ms Meale said during that night the babies were pretty consistent in coming and the hospital teams were fantastic.
“We have a very good team, which becomes evident during their busy times.” she said.
“It’s been a challenging time with the restrictions as only one person is allowed in with the woman during labour.”
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She said the hospitals were well prepared for caring for mothers who either had coronavirus or were suspected of being sick – though there were no reported cases of coronavirus.
Ms Meale happily reported all mums and bubs were safe and healthy.