By Ewen McRae
Moorabool is in the midst of a baby boom, with a record number of births in the last financial year.
Across the 2018-19 year, 408 babies were born in the shire, a new record high.
It follows recent news from Melton last month, which is also in the midst of a baby boom, with up to 52 babies, the equivalent of more than two-and-a-half prep classes, born into the municipality each week.
Both municipalities are among the fastest growing areas in the country.
Moorabool council congratulated all the families welcoming new babies.
The council also reminded residents of their maternal and child health services, including a free service to children from birth to school age.
The service provides support and advice on all areas of family health, child development, and parenting issues for parents and carers.
Moorabool also offers a Breastfeeding Support Service staffed by lactation consultants to support new mums with breastfeeding.
Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Belinda Scott said while the birth rate continued to climb, they were well placed to deal with it.
“This fits in to our strategic understanding of the community which shows high growth in that 0-14 age group,” Ms Scott said.
“Our services, without changing anything that we have today, can cope with up to 750 births.
“We’re opening our special care nursery in a couple of weeks, which will mean more babies able to stay locally.
“It means about another 100 women can birth with us, that we would otherwise have to send to Sunshine.”
