More midwives needed for pandemic baby boom
Births are expected to rise by 40% in some parts of Victoria thanks to lockdownÂ
Victoria’s extended COVID-19 lockdown last year has sparked a baby boom, with one regional healthcare service reporting a 51% increase in deliveries.
That’s prompted the state government to announce it will spend $13.2 million to hire extra midwives.
Minister for Health Martin Foley on Friday announced the funds for 175 additional staff at 38 public health services across Victoria.
He said an extra 1423 births were expected between April and August 2021, compared to the same period last year.
