Ten new bubs welcomed in 72-hour Mackay baby boom
Friday 3 November 2023
Four baby girls and six boys were welcomed during the 30 October to 1 November baby boom.
The hospital had its busiest month of the year in January, when 48 babies were born, and October and April were the second busiest months, with 44 babies joining their families.
Mackay mum Elizabeth welcomed her newborn daughter Tabitha yesterday afternoon with the help of former colleague and Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay registered nurse and midwife Tracey.
“I was in labour for only two hours, it went much quicker than expected,” Elizabeth said.
“It was hard work, but it was quick!”
Elizabeth, who has an eight-year-old daughter Meika, previously worked as a midwife at Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay for seven years and said there were many familiar faces when she arrived for Tabitha’s birth.
“I have actually worked with the midwife who delivered Tabitha, and I delivered her second child – we have a nice connection,” she said.
Elizabeth said she had been in a “bubble” since Tabitha arrived and had not yet had chance to meet the other mums who had given birth during the last 48-hour hours.
Tracey said delivering Elizabeth’s baby girl was “really special”.
“Elizabeth’s baby came out so quickly,” she said.
“Her waters broke at home at around 12.15pm, her labour started around 1pm and her baby arrived at 2.20pm.
“When I had my baby, I felt very safe in Liz’s hands, and I know she felt the same way yesterday. It’s nice having that trust and knowing that person.”
She said the past 48 hours had been a whirlwind of activity.
“We have been very busy the past few days and I’ve almost lost count of how many babies have been born,” Tracey said.