Albury Wodonga Health experiencing influx of babies

Already the region has welcomed 762 new residents in the first five months of 2021 - almost 100 more than the same period in 2020.

Just 667 babies were born in the first part of last year, while 696 were delivered in the first five months of both 2019 and 2018.

Albury Wodonga Health operational director of women's and children's services, Julie Wright, said the service delivered 13 babies in a single day on May 23 - a record for the hospital.

She said Albury Wodonga Health was in a sound position to cope with the extra demand on services.

"There has been a notable increase in births, right across Victoria, since January 2021," she said.

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"Compared to the previous five months Albury Wodonga Health has seen a 16 per cent increase in births."

The boom has, in part, been driven by parents fast-tracking their families after delays to their big day.

"Women and their partners have been open to sharing their stories with us, with many having to postpone their weddings due to COVID and deciding to have a baby instead," Ms Wright said.

"We would like to thank everyone who has been accommodating and supportive throughout this period of high demand."

The service has witnessed an increased number of births from Corryong, a welcome bright-spot after a tough year for the areas.

Ms Wright said Corryong parents had welcomed 14 babies so far this year, whereas only seven were born in the first five months of 2020.

"A very happy couple from Corryong told us when they delivered earlier this year having a baby was such a wonderful and positive experience compared to their experience of the Corryong bushfires 12 months earlier," Ms Wright said.

Throughout the year, new parents have had to contend with changing visitor restrictions and requirements at hospitals due to Victorian government mandates.

Currently, two nominated support people are allowed in the Wodonga maternity ward.

Ms Wright said they were aware the impact restrictions had on families but the safety of mothers and babies was their priority.

She thanked the maternity and special care nursery teams, saying "without their hard work and care, none of this would be possible."

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