It’s a . . . 50 babies born in Gisborne over December

Sister act . . . Gemma Hall, at just eight days old, is adored by her sisters (from left) Aylah and Katey. Gemma was one of 50 babies born in Tairāwhiti in December. Picture courtesy of Sandy Jones of Smile Baby Photography

December 14 was a busy day for the district’s midwives with six babies born on that day.

They were among 50 pēpi born in December, according to Te Whatu Ora-Tairāwhiti figures.

The babies were a perfect split of sex — 25 boys and 25 girls.

Gemma Wayne Hall was due on Christmas Day but arrived early.

Parents Jono and Christy Hall missed adding to that December 14 tally, with Gemma being born on the 12th at 12.57pm.

Gemma had a water birth at Gisborne Hospital’s Puawai Aroha Maternity Unit and weighed in at 3075 grams.

She is in good health and is adored by her sisters Aylah (6) and Katey (3).

Christy thanked Briar Ferris of Heart and Hands Midwifery.

Te Whatu Ora-Tairāwhiti reported the heaviest December baby was 5249 grams while the lightest was 2325.

There were 43 vaginal births and seven caesarean births.

Two babies were born at home and five in water.

Gisborne Hospital expressed thanks to “maternity staff and midwives who shower our growing whānau with aroha and awhi (care)”.

“We wish all the best to those pēpi and their whānau.”