Small but mighty babies celebrated
'Small but mighty' was the theme used for the event as those who attended were dressed in purple to show their support to the cause.
Netcare Lakeview Hospital in Mowbray Avenue recently held a celebration day in honour of premature babies and their parents.
The event, called Preemie Day, which was a first for the hospital, was held after World Prematurity Day which is commemorated on November 17.
Premature babies can endure many medical difficulties when they are born and their plight also take a heavy toll on the families involved.
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Neo-natal sister Glynnis Wilson said the day was also about creating awareness of premature births.
“Premature babies are those babies who are born between 26 and 36/37 weeks and weigh around 500g at the time of their birth,” said Wilson.
“The theme for this year and one that we are focusing on is providing the right care at the right time in the right place.
“This is a celebration for our preemies who have survived and remembrance for those who were lost.”
One of the guest speakers at the event was Ashleigh Pretorius, a mother who lost one of her sons Handré because of complications during her pregnancy and gave birth prematurely.
Pretorius was, in fact, pregnant with twins.
Due to numerous complications, Handré’s twin died during Pretorius’ pregnancy.
When Handré was born, numerous complications led to his death at 48 days old.
Tears were shed before Pretorius spoke about her second pregnancy, where her son, Leando who is now one, was born.
In spite of also being a preemie baby, Leando survived and is a healthy baby.
Her story inspired those who attended the event.
The celebration ended with each baby and their parents receiving a goodie bag and a certificate of graduation from the hospital.
Knitted and crocheted beanies and octopuses by Ampath Laboratory were also donated. They were designed by the residents of The Old People’s Home for the neo-natal ward.
