ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The Blizzard of 2011 is certainly one for the history books. But not just for its record snowfall. We've learned being cooped up indoors has lead to quite the baby boom at OSF St. Anthony Hospital.

With no where to go, digging out was delayed for many Stateline couples.

"We have definitely noticed a boom."

About double the number of babies were born at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in October compared to September. Most were conceived right about when 15 inches of snow blanketed the Stateline.

"Not surprising, gotta keep warm some how, right!" says Registered Nurse Tammy Gettings.

Emma Marie was just born after midnight Wednesday at six pounds, four ounces.

"There's a big baby boom going on. I tell everyone in town don't drink the water," says Emma's mom, Nancy Clark.

The healthy baby came a few days early almost sharing a birthday with her older sister.

"We're so glad to see people having babies and with the economy the way it is it's a breath of fresh air to see life coming in," says Gettings.

The birth rate is actually a good barometer of the economy and the way things are going at OSF, It seems couples are starting to feel more confident bringing a new life into this world.

For security reasons, OSF couldn't tell us exactly how many babies were born last month. But it was about double what they usually see. The other Rockford hospitals do not report a similar blizzard baby boom.