Port Shepstone Regional Hospital welcomed six babies, two girls and four boys who were born over the festive season.
On Christmas day, the first baby was delivered by Dr Khayalethu Manona via Caesarean section at 17:20 weighing 2,980 kg. The second baby was delivered by the same doctor at 19:32 and weighed 1,805 kg.
On New Year’s day, the first baby was delivered by Sr Rene Govender at 10:45 weighing 3.950 kg. The second baby was delivered by Sr Sthembile Mqadi at 13:45. The third baby was delivered by Dr Ordoli Milton Dabibi and Sr Hlengiwe Thusi via Caesarean section at 13:46 weighing 2.250 kg. The last baby born on the day was delivered by Sr Phumla Nqoko at 20:00 weighing 2.390kg.
A celebration was held at the hospital maternity wards. Mothers that gave birth were presented with gifts of baby hampers which included clothes, baby wipes and more.
Khethiwe Khowa the mother of the first baby born on Christmas day said she was very exultant for giving birth on this day and she is grateful for the gift she received.
Nokwazi Mchithwa from Bizana said she was also excited to give birth to the first baby in a new year. She added that as a first-time mother she knew nothing about raising a baby and the lessons they received on how to hold, breastfeed and bath the baby will help her when she’s alone at home.
As one of the mothers is a teenager, Sr Zimasa Mthulu, operational manger of the labour ward said mothers will receive education about availability of family planning services to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
She further advised new mothers about benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of immunisation. She also said mothers must be aware of the long term reversible contraception methods for family spacing, and they must visit their local clinics to get more information.
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