IPSWICH Hospital is experiencing a baby boom – and it is just among its maternity staff.

Eighteen members of staff have fallen pregnant this year with 16 tiny tots already safely delivered and two bumps still waiting appear.

Whatever is in the water at the Heath Road trust, head of midwifery Christine Colbourne is threatening to turn off the tap.

She said: “It started with a steady stream coming to see my team to say they were pregnant.

“After the first couple we all got excited but when more came in we started to think about how we were going to manage.

“These are all really experienced support staff and midwives but as usual, everyone stepped into the fray to help.

“We have a very, very strong team of midwives who work on a casual basis – they have been working more than just casually.”

Praising the team effort, the midwife of 32 years, added: “It has been a great effort to make sure all the mums and babies are cared for.

“It is lovely to see the babies safely delivered, most have been either home births or delivered here at Ipswich, which has been really special.”

A group of the babies star on a new Christmas card which maternity staff are selling to raise money for the unit.

To find out more speak to a member of the maternity team.