Number of babies being born at a 26-year high

And this baby boom is having an impact on the workload of our already stretched midwives, says the Conservative Party

Since 2001, the number of live births in England has increased by almost 71,000 (12.5%), and is now at a 26-year high. In 2006, 635,679 babies were born.

However, the increase in the number of midwives hasn't kept up, rising by only 4.5% over the same period, and this is causing problems for the health service. In particular, the claim by Labour that all mums should have a choice of where to give birth by 2009 seems increasingly difficult to stick to.

The Royal College of Midwives recommends that each midwife should deliver 27.5 babies a year.

However, the surge in new babies meant on average each midwife in England delivered 33.7 babies last year.

The Conservatives say government experts under-estimated the actual number of live births last year by nearly 40,000.

They say the intense pressure being placed on midwives explained why the rate of home births - which are time consuming and labour intensive - is relatively low.

Dame Karlene Davis, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, says a survey carried out by the college last month showed three-quarters had seen an increase in birth rate on their units, and over 80% did not have staffing levels they needed to cope.

She says, 'We have seen too many service cuts, too many midwives lost, and too many mothers and babies getting a service that should shame the fourth richest country in the world.

'Action is needed, and needed now, to put the resources and effort needed into maternity services.'

A Department of Health spokesperson accused the Conservatives of 'irresponsible scaremongering. There are now 2,423 more midwives than there were 10 years ago.

'The number of students entering the profession has risen by 44%. And 80% of women are happy with the maternity services they receive. This is hardly a picture of "chaos".'