MIDWIVES in the birthing unit at Queanbeyan Hospital will be flat out until the end of the month.
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"Normal dramas, busy but smooth is the standard," according to one of the staff, Trish Towson, who forecasts a total of 48 babies by the end of the month.
She said at the start of this week 20 bubs had been born so far in August. "Only 28 to go," she counted.
The July tally was 43 births.
On the busiest of shifts the midwives will call in extra hands as required but the maximum on duty is four and two when it is quieter, with one administrative assistant there to help during usual working hours Monday to Friday.
Director of nursing Harry Williams and maternity unit manager Carlene Morris paid tribute to their dedication and great work.
"They do an excellent job and are very maternal and child focused and they make a point of maintaining up-to-date skills," Mr Williams said.
Most babies are born to Queanbeyan district parents but the reputation of the birthing unit's excellence is being recognised by the the increasing number of mothers and fathers from the Canberra suburbs choosing the hospital.
The hospital has three dedicated birthing rooms and seven suites for babies and parents post-birth.
