Wilmington, NC-- Seventeen babies were born at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington as Hurricane Irene passed. But not one of them was named Irene.

Hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Fisher says the hospital usually has about 10 births in 24 hours. The 17 babies were born in the 18 hours between 6 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.

Fisher also said about 40 children of hospital staff members stayed at the hospital Friday night on sleeping bags and air mattresses.

She says the hospital routinely provides such care for children of staffers who have to work during a storm and need a safe place for their children.

During Irene, several doctors played guitar for the kids. Fisher says the hospital never lost power.