Interior Health says there was a “baby bump” in 2021 at hospitals across in the region, including in Kamloops.

The health authority says there were 6,136 newborns across the region last year, an increase of nine per cent – or 489 more births – when compared to the 5,647 babies born in 2020.

At Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, there were 1,228 births in 2021, a four per cent increase – or 42 more births – compared to the previous year.

“Interior Health is happily welcoming our tiniest patients to the world as communities grow throughout the region,” IH President and CEO, Susan Brown, said in a statement.

“I would like to congratulate all of the families who welcomed newborns last year and thank our dedicated maternity teams for ensuring the highest quality of care for these little ones and their families.”

Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail saw the largest percentage increase with a 30 per cent increase in births compared to 2020, while Kelowna General Hospital saw the largest increase in total births at 197.

Throughout 2021, Interior Health saw an average of 511 babies born each month, up from the average of 471 a month in 2020.

For a list of the number of births by community, including home births, go here.