By Laura Michell
The baby boom in Hume and Whittlesea is continuing, with new data revealing more than 7000 babies were born across the two municipalities in 2018.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that Hume and Whittlesea had the third and fourth highest birth rates in the state in 2018.
According to the ABS, 3818 babies were born to parents living in Hume, while 3425 babies were born to Whittlesea parents.
Casey had the state’s highest birth rate, with 5427 babies born, followed by Wyndham with 4878 births.
The birth rate in Hume rose 25 per cent between 2012 and 2018. In 2012, 3059 babies were born in Hume.
Whittlesea’s birth rate rose by 18 per cent during the same period, up from 2915 births in 2012.
Northern Hospital’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Debra Bourne said the hospital was managing the baby boom through “careful planning”.
“Maternity care is an important element of Northern Health’s services to our community, with many young families moving to Melbourne’s growing north,” she said.
“We are… determining services required to ensure we meet the needs of women, babies and families. This includes all aspects of parenthood through pregnancy, birth and ongoing support needed when at home.
“[This year] is the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and I’m very proud of the wonderful work of our nurses and midwives who care for mothers and babies in the north.”
