There was a giant silver lining in the storm clouds that battered Brisbane on Monday night, with a record 15 babies being delivered at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in the hours after the weather event.
An association between intense storms and increased births has long been recognised by doctors and midwives[1] – and the aftermath of this week’s storm certainly confirmed the link.
Between 9pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday 15 babies were delivered in the birth suites of the South Brisbane hospital, making it the busiest night of spring so far.
Although not scientifically proven, experts believe that low pressure weather systems affect the amniotic sac, causing waters to break and triggering labour.
Expectant mum and Mater midwife Kate Greedy was receiving a home visit from her midwife, Charmaine Dixon, when the storm cell struck Everton Hills on Monday.
“My baby was due to arrive on Thursday, but my midwife Charmaine joked that it might come early because of the storm,” Ms Greedy said.
“As soon as she left I started to have minor contractions and they slowly built up through the evening.
“I thought ‘This is isn’t settling down, it’s happening. Charmaine was right!’”
Partner Mitch Hallinan drove Ms Greedy to Mater Mothers’ at 3.30am and six hours later her “perfect” newborn son – still unnamed – was born weighing 3.86kg.
Meanwhile Ms Greedy’s friend and fellow Mater midwife Remy Merlo was also going into labour with her first baby.
“As a midwife I knew that a lot of women’s waters break when there’s a storm and that’s exactly what happened to me,” said Ms Merlo.
“My baby was due next Wednesday, but my waters broke at home at 8.30am the morning after the storm.”
Husband Jack Merlo, an electrician currently working on the new Mater Hospital Springfield, raced home to Thorneside to drive his wife to Mater Mother’s Hospital, where baby Maya was delivered just 15 minutes later.
“I thought she going to be born in a ute, but luckily we reached here just in time,” Ms Merlo said.
“It all happened so fast, but we are so proud of our baby – she’s beautiful.”
Mater Mothers’ Hospitals General Manager Kerri Gane said the facility’s midwives and obstetricians were always prepared for busy periods.
“Babies come when they want to, so we are always ready to cope with sudden increases in births,” Ms Gane said.
“Whatever the weather, Mater is here for Queensland mums.”
[1] Spontaneous delivery is related to barometric pressure - PubMed
