Summer baby boom at Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton

Edmonton's Lois Hole Hospital for Women, located within the Royal Alexandra Hospital, has experienced an exceptionally busy summer, with a notable baby boom occurring between May and July 2026. During these three months, the hospital recorded 1,720 births, averaging nearly 20 deliveries per day.

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It has been really extremely challenging and busy because we’ve had sustained periods of higher acuity and activity.

The surge in births included a high number of multiple births, with 61 sets of twins and four sets of triplets born. Neonatologist Dr. Sowjanya Sivakoti suggested that increased usage of fertility drugs might be contributing to the rise in multiple births. This heightened activity placed considerable strain on the hospital's resources and staff.

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Sometimes we are steady and then we have like, four or five patients coming in and labouring and delivering babies. Sometimes we have five babies in one hour.

Staff described the period as "extremely challenging and busy," with "sustained periods of higher acuity and activity." Fernanda Fernandes, a labor and delivery nurse, noted the unit's intensity, stating, "Sometimes we have five babies in one hour." Despite the exhaustion, the NICU team, comprising nurses, doctors, dietitians, and respiratory therapists, worked collaboratively to ensure the care of premature infants was not compromised.

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When I started, they did tell me it was a busy unit, but I had no idea how busy it was.

The high volume of births, particularly multiples, also led to an increase in admissions to the Stollery neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dr. Sivakoti highlighted the intensive support required for premature infants, some weighing as little as 500 grams. The NICU team's dedication was crucial in providing the best possible care for these vulnerable newborns, demonstrating resilience amidst staffing challenges.

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Despite the busyness, [the] overwhelming, exhaustion and tiredness, each member of the team has stepped up so that the care for our tiny residents of Alberta is not compromised and they receive the best care.