Miracle baby survives against all odds
Phiwemna made a silent entrance into the world, weighing 748 grams on August 17.
Yandisa Madikizela and her family are basking in the magic of a very special festive season, savouring every moment with their newest addition, Phiwemna – the extraordinary baby who defied all odds to be here today.
It all began when Madikizela, at 25 weeks pregnant, was urgently admitted to Netcare Margate Hospital due to severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. What started as a routine consultation a few weeks earlier took a harrowing turn as her blood pressure soared, prompting urgent medical attention.
The battle against pregnancy-induced hypertension, also known as preeclampsia, led to multiple hospital admissions. Phiwemna made a silent entrance into the world, weighing 748 grams on August 17.
Amanda Grobler, the unit manager of the maternity and neonatal intensive care unit, vividly recalled the critical moment, “She was extremely ill. Preeclampsia can be dangerous and can cause severe complications. It can potentially even be fatal.”
The dire situation unfolded as Phiwemna entered the world.
“We warmed him and gave him a little oxygen, and that is when it all changed and he started rallying. It was a miracle, a total turnaround,” said Grobler.
She said Phiwemna embarked on a miraculous recovery. “Though initially frail, the tiny infant defied expectations, regained strength in the neonatal intensive care unit, proved to be a true survivor, and his progress brought immense joy to his family and the hospital staff,” Grobler remarked.
Grobler said despite his fragile state, he was generally healthy, had no infection, and nothing wrong with his lungs.
The Madikizela family’s joy was palpable as they welcomed him home after 84 days in the hospital. The mother juggled work as a policewoman with providing expressed milk for her baby throughout his hospitalisation.
“It was a miracle. We named our son Phiwemna, which means ‘special gift to me’. He is very good and is such a sweet baby, and he already weighs 2.21kg.” Madikizela added.
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