Joseph David McBrearty arrived kicking and screaming into a devastated Christchurch last night.

The 3.8kg baby boy is one of 65 babies born at Christchurch Womens Hospital since Tuesday's quake.

Earlier today, Canterbury District Health Board boss David Meates had said the hospital was seeking midwifery support due to the high number of births since the quake.

The hospital's midwifery director Samantha Bourke said the babies appeared unaffected by the aftershocks. "I think they deal with them probably better than we do."

For first-time mum Jessica McBrearty, the quake meant her overdue son could not be induced as planned on Tuesday. She and husband Hamish were about to arrive at the hospital when the quake hit. "I thought I had a flat tyre initially," he said.

"Then I saw a Hagley High School Student running for his life and thought, 'that's a bit unusual'. Then I realised the earth was still shaking."

Luckily the couple's home was left untouched by the quake - the only casualty was their 75 litre fish tank.

The aftershocks were "pretty scary" Jessica said. "This building wobbles a lot but I'm told it's the safest one in Christchurch."

The pair were adamant they would stay in Christchurch to raise their son.

"It's a little bit scary but you've just got to make the best of what you've got."

- © Fairfax NZ News