Midwives thrive in baby boom

By Callan Date
ALMOST 4000 babies were born in Casey in 2006 with that number expected to increase this year.
The number of births in this municipality surpasses that of surrounding shires and cities including Dandenong (1770 births) and Cardinia (755).
St John of God Hospital midwife Joyce Coyle said the 16 maternity rooms at the Berwick hospital were regularly occupied by expecting mothers.
“Our numbers have jumped. It looks like we might have about 600 births this year,” Ms Coyle said.
Ms Coyle said the hospital would celebrate International Midwives and Nurses Week, which starts this Saturday, by opening sections of the maternity ward for the public to see.
“Families expecting babies can tour the facilities, speak to the midwives and just have a general look around. We can also take bookings on the day,” she said.
The week has been designed to recognise and acknowledge the professional commitment and contribution that nurses and midwives make in society.
The increase in births has also had an impact on Casey’s maternal and child health services.
Staff shortages caused a reduction in services while councillors, along with mothers, raised questions about what was being offered.
Concern was turned into action in February when councillors voted for Casey’s maternal and child health service to undergo an independent audit.
Results from that audit are expected within months.
Casey director of community services Jennie Lee said an extra eight nurses had been recruited since January and a full service was now being provided.
“Council currently has 32 maternal child health nurses, not including additional resources covered through additional staff support and toddler development. We will continue to recruit throughout the year to meet the current and future demands of the service,” Ms Lee said.
“It’s pleasing that in addition to advertising for maternal child health nurses, some new staff have been attracted to the City of Casey through word of mouth, positive reports from peers and the innovative opportunities Casey presents.”
The St John of God Hospital open day will take place on Saturday, 12 May from 2pm to 4pm.