Cairns ‘twinning’ with many multiple births
BIRTHING rates in Cairns may be dropping, but there has been a wealth of twins born in the Far North for the second year in a row.
Figures obtained from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service as well as Ramsay Health show there were 3268 babies born across the health district last year in public and private hospitals.
This represents a decrease of 3.8 per cent from 2017.
A CHHHS spokeswoman said of the total number of babies born across the region last year, 2229 were born at Cairns Hospital, including 36 sets of twins.
“The busiest month for the Cairns Hospital maternity ward was April 2018, with 209 babies born,” she said.
“The highest number of births on any given day was 15, on April 9 at Cairns Hospital.
“Overall, there has been a downward trend in birthing numbers during recent years.”
A Ramsay Health spokeswoman said there was a total 481 babies born at Cairns Private Hospital last year, with three sets of twins.
Far North Queensland Multiple Birth Association vice-president Danielle Meredith said there had been more than double the number of twins born locally last year, compared to previous years.
“Our membership has doubled as well,” she said.
“I think we had record members last year in our club, with more than 50 members.”
Traditionally, the chances of a mother giving birth to twins is increased during invitro fertilisation procedures.
During IVF, double embryo transfer multiplies tenfold the chance of twins.
Ms Meredith said there appeared to be a similar ratio of twins born via IVF and natural means last year.
Smithfield resident Elise Angel, who gave birth six weeks ago to twins Abigail and Bailey at Cairns Hospital, said the maternity ward was full of multiple babies last month.
“At one stage, there were six sets,” she said. “In our section, there were three sets and some of them had been in there for about eight weeks in total.”
Ms Angel, who has another daughter, Elizabeth, 6, said she had plenty of assistance from the FNQ Multiple Birth Association to prepare her for juggling two babies at once.
“Even though this was my second time having babies, I was questioning everything to know whether I’m doing everything right,” she said.
“It’s been amazing, being part of the association.
“I joined before I had my twins, and went along to some of their meetings and everyone is so supportive and caring, and willing to share how they do things.”