Albury Wodonga Health's maternity ward experiencing above average bookings

Children and Women's services director Julie Wright said the maternity ward is experiencing above average bookings of expectant mothers for January, February and March.

"Normally we'd have about 135 to 140 women booked in for January and there's 157," she said.

"We're additionally seeing in February, and we know February is only 28 days, there's already 145 booked in."

With Victoria and NSW going into the first COVID-19 lockdown back in March, Ms Wright admitted we may have the pandemic to thank for the new arrivals.

"As the months unfold we may get a better sense from the women as to whether it was lockdown or whether they were just planning a baby anyway," she said.

"This period of time is more related to post bushfires and the first lockdown."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The waiting game is now on to see if Victoria's second wave lockdown will spark the same trend.

"It will be interesting to see what the comparison is between the two lockdowns," Ms Wright said.

There's already 130 women booked in to deliver in March, with that number expected to rise.

The surge coincides with the second border closure, with many women having to pass a checkpoint to get to the Wodonga facility.

Ms Wright said information will be provided to expectant mums to help them cross without delay

"There's strategies to reassure women that there will be support available to them from police and or ambulance to get across safely," she said.

"Hopefully they won't delay coming to hospital when they need to.

"It's a delicate issue to balance, but we're here and we'll continue to provide our service."

Albury Wodonga Health asks expectant mums to phone ahead before coming into the hospital.

They will also be prompted with ways to best make themselves known to emergency services to ensure crossing border checkpoints is made easier.

Ms Wright also reminded women to continue attending regular check ups and to reach out if they have any concerns.

"If they need to talk to a midwife over the Christmas period or the next few weeks please don't hesitate to call the maternity unit," she said.

The maternity ward can be contact via phone on 60517250.