Staff at Darent Valley Hospital marked the International Day of the Midwife by celebrating their very own baby boom in the maternity department.

Between February 2016 and the end of April this year, 25 maternity staff gave birth to 26 babies — there were 16 girls and 10 boys, including a set of twins.

International Day of the Midwife, which celebrates midwives who become mothers and start their own families, falls tomorrow, and the hospital’s so-called maternity family gathered to celebrate.

The hospital’s Head of Midwifery, Deborah McAllion, said: “The Maternity Department has seen an incredible baby boom amongst its staff and it was a great idea to show off our 25 maternity staff who have had babies in the last 12 months.

“This is a great example that midwives will always practise what they preach.

“We were so pleased and delighted to see so many of the maternity family arrive for the photographs.

“This idea was developed by Kelly Gray, a Delivery Suite Co-ordinator, whose baby Chloe was born on September 29, 2016. Kelly thought it was a great idea that all the midwives who have made mothers in the last year come together to celebrate their achievements.

“Kelly also planned the photographic event to celebrate International Day of the Midwife. The day is when midwives across the globe are celebrating. Since it was launched 14 years ago, it has been the internationally recognised day for highlighting the work of midwives.

“We are delighted that we have got so many proud mums, midwives, support workers, and babies to show. Congratulations to all the families.”

April 2016 proved to be the busiest of the bunch, with five staff members giving birth.

The lightest of all was Becci Vandervennin’s daughter Rosie, born at just 4lb 9oz on January 16 this year, and the heaviest was Emma Ridley’s Jacob, born at 9lb 3oz on April 8, last year.

Although most of the mums gave birth at the hospital, Helen Jesshope had daughter Ruby at home. She was born at 7lb 7oz on January 8.

“I chose a home birth because I was classed as having a low risk pregnancy and had two births already at home,” she explained.

“It was nice to be in our own environment and get in our own shower and bed after the birth. It was all calm and peaceful and I was very lucky to have my friend deliver Ruby. Of course I would support and encourage other low risk women to have a home birth if that is their choice.”

Some of the babies were born prematurely and needed additional support in the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, including Lauren Smith’s Joey, who was born at 33 weeks, and Jackie Batts’ Sophie, who was born seven weeks early.

More babies are due soon, with midwife Aimee Earl expected to give birth on July 31 and colleague Vicki Heather due her second baby on August 14.

So how has the department been coping with all the maternity leave?

The hospital's communications manager Sue Daniels explained: "To cover those on maternity leave, we offered one year fixed term contracts.

"We were able to recruit newly qualified midwives, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable skills in the workplace, supported by an experienced midwifery team.

"We are delighted that we have now been able to offer them full time posts.