South West Healthcare birth rates consistent in wake of pandemic

Birth rates at South West Healthcare (SWH) have remained consistent in the past five years despite the outbreak.

The south-west's birth rate remains unaffected with 743 babies born this financial year up until Friday, June 18 at the health service.

This year's figures are comparable to previous years with 730 babies born last financial year, 753 in 2018/19, 737 in 2017/18 and 681 in 2016/17 at the healthcare's Warrnambool and Camperdown hospitals.

Mr Salt said the steady figures were echoed across the nation and weren't surprising despite the commentary around there being an increase in 'COVID-19 babies'.

He said uncertainty around income, job security and how the pandemic would play out meant couples had delayed starting or adding to their family.

"The argument from demographers is during uncertain times, whether it's a war, a pandemic, a recession or depression there is a contraction in the birth rate," Mr Salt said.

"Where one partners job isn't secure or they're not confident about it then they might postpone it. I think that is more likely the explanation."

He said the figures were indicative of the region's demography.

"There's a steady number of people coming through. The younger cohorts want to have kids at a certain rate based on a certain income and lifestyle so it doesn't surprise me that Warrnambool has a very stable and predictable rate."

He said the south-west could experience a rise in births.

"I think people have been holding back for the last year or so where things have been uncertain. You might lose a year and think 'I need to get a wriggle on'. There might be, I wouldn't say a baby boom but a baby blip for the obstetrics department to look forward to in 2022."

South West Healthcare was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.

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