World media chase first 2000 baby

By NICK PERRY

health reporter

New Zealand hospitals are preparing to become entangled in what could be one of the biggest news stories in the world in four weeks.

Media organisations from around the globe are expected to single out the first baby born after the stroke of midnight on January 1 and turn him or her into a star - albeit a fleeting one.

With six babies born every hour in New Zealand, it is the country statistically favoured to produce the first millennium baby.

Auckland Healthcare has been approached by the BBC, which wants to document the first natural birth - but the broadcaster has ruled out any births by caesarean section, which could be manipulated to occur at midnight.

National Women's Hospital and Gisborne Hospital say they have received calls from media in the United States and Italy.

National Women's averages 25 births a day, the highest number of any hospital in the country. It says bookings are average or slightly higher around January 1.

National Women's general manager, Gary Henry, said it would allow media to approach parents only if the parents had first given permission.

An Auckland University senior psychology lecturer, Dr Jeff Field, said the media attention could put tremendous strain on parents already trying to cope with the stress of bringing a new child into the world.

Although there could be some material gain for the parents, it might not necessarily make them happier or their lives any easier.