Pandemic Baby Boom or Bust?

When the COVID-19 Pandemic began and stay-at-home orders forced people to spend more time at home, many speculated about the potential for a “Pandemic Baby Boom”. Now that we are 15 months out from the initial lockdowns, that Pandemic Baby Boom turned out to be a bust – thus far.

In a study released earlier this year by the CDC, birth rates in the last year actually decreased by 4% – the steepest birth rate decline since 1979! While the level of birth rate decline varied between age groups and ethnic groups, the trend was the same across the board.

Initial speculation that people being locked indoors with each other would lead to an increase of births was thwarted mostly by economic uncertainty and the lack of consistent or available childcare services. Those with children who were suddenly now home all the time were potentially turned off by the idea of introducing another into their increasingly cramped household.

However, as lockdowns lift, capacities expand, and society begins its return to normalcy, some are expecting the baby boom that we initially speculated, will finally happen.

A study done recently by the University of Michigan Health Lab projects a summer baby surge. “Birth rates declined early on in the pandemic, but we expect a dramatic rebound soon,” said lead author Molly Stout, M.D., MSci, maternal fetal medicine director at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.

“Major societal changes certainly seem to influence reproductive choices, population growth and fertility rates…This has also been noted during other times in history, such as the 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Great Depression in 1929 and recession of 2008.” Using electronic health records, researchers at Michigan Medicine were able to model pregnancy episodes and accurately project the increase in pregnancy volumes. “We’re already seeing signs of a summer baby surge.”

Based on the same model, Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital is preparing for a 10-15% increase in births in the summer and fall of 2021 compared to what they would normally expect. They are using this research to better prepare their labor and delivery staff for an increase in birthing mothers in the coming months.

Hospitals across the country and their labor and delivery departments will need to make sure they are properly staffed and prepared with the necessary equipment to handle this surge in births. Novum is here and ready to help.

Our Wooden Maternity Bassinets, Fetal Monitor Carts and Case Carts are designed specifically for your Labor and Delivery Departments. These carts and bassinets provide the necessary durability and functionality for the staff, while still providing a warm aesthetic to keep Mom & Baby happy and comfortable.

Blanket Warmers allow for safer room temperatures while keeping mom and baby warm at the same time and our Medical Recliners or Glider Rockers are the perfect option for nursing mothers. Give us a call to discuss the specific needs of your facility and be sure you are prepared! (800) 274-2742