The Iqaluit mom gave birth 40 minutes after midnight, New Year's Day, at Baffin Regional Hospital.

The baby -- named Terrance Philip Kango -- came in at 3,566 grams, or 7 pounds 13 ounces.

Terrance is just the latest evidence of a Nunavut trend.

"Our birth rate has increased every year for the past six years," said adult ward Head Nurse Jennifer Pearce.

The tally of 349 babies born in 2002 is an increase of 26 toddlers from 2001.

"This is a busy place for babies," nurse Pearce said.

The burgeoning birth rate reflects the growing community of young families in Nunavut.

Babies are healthier these days, too.

"The mothers have been here four, five weeks before they give birth and we only keep them 24 hours after. We're not finding that a lot have to come back," Pearce says, noting that in the old days, babies might get jaundice or other diseases.

Pearce says since she first came North in 1996 -- she was away and back since -- there is better pre-natal care throughout Nunavut, also helping make healthier births.

"Mothers are also getting a lot of family planning now," Pearce says. "It's nice to see."