So many reasons for a celebration

Dec 26 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A CHRISTMAS bumper crop of baby joy was delivered across the North.

In Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, the region’s largest maternity centre, 10 babies were born early yesterday.

Mums-to-be were still expected to deliver throughout the day in what midwives said was a busy year.

South Tyneside District Hospital in South Shields claimed the first birth, at 12.05am.

First to arrive at the RVI, at 12.10am, was Evie Cave, who weighed 5lbs 9½oz.

Parents Louise, 28, and Richard, 26, of East Denton, Newcastle, said they were overwhelmed by the birth of their first child, who had not been expected until January 10.

Mrs Cave, a teacher at Darras Hall First School in Ponteland, said: “It was a surprise because she was early – we didn’t want a Christmas Day baby.

“But we are just excited by it, we’re both very happy.”

Mr Cave, a councillor, said: “It will certainly be a Christmas to remember.”

Across the region, wards were filled with beaming families as mothers and fathers cuddled their newborns.

Sister in charge at the RVI, Anne Sharp, said: “We have been very, very busy during the night and the girls were absolutely overwhelmed.

“It had been a busy morning but started to quieten down in the afternoon.”

Six babies were born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead.

Midwife Julia Parvia said: “It has been really busy and we have never stopped.

“There could still be more later – we always have a Christmas baby.”

Edwina Chamberlain, midwife at South Tyneside District Hospital, said: “It has been a quite unexpected rush. We are probably the smallest unit in the area too.”