World Prematurity day was created in order to make awareness of millions of babies who are born prematurely. Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital, is proud to be able to contribute towards the health and support of the premature babies as well as their parents and families.
In commemoration of the day, the hospital invited the mothers who delivered premature children at the facility, to share their experiences with us. One of the mothers, Mrs Malifu Mokoala had her premature baby daughter in 2018, and now 3 years old. Mrs Malifu Mokoala, shared her frightening experiences around her delivery as she thought back to her preterm labour and delivery. “Even though I was nervous and massively scared, I was welcomed with warm hands and friendliness, all the way from the cleaners, nursing staff, catering staff and doctors. Nursing staff’s warmth supported me, especially after seeing my baby for the first time,” shared Mrs Malufi Makoala. Ms Terissa Maduna, mother of premature twins, who were born late October 2021, expressed her gratitude towards Dr Liphapang, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, for his support through it all. “I remember the first time seeing my babies, they were so small, especially the boy, I was afraid to look and even touch him. The nursing staff supported me through the journey and never once made us feel different.”
Dr Leandri de Klerk, Pediatrician, also shared words of wisdom and gratitude towards the mothers for overcoming the emotional and terrifying journey of seeing their children in Neonatal ICU. “In Neonatal we usually have a milestone. Every day a neonate survives is a milestone, everyday a neonate tolerates one more feed or 3ml better than the pervious day is a milestone, and every 1g they pick up is a milestone. They is also a saying that states “fight like a Preemie through life because no one fights like a premature baby for life” commented Dr de Klerk. The event was filled with positive advices and words of encouragement from the Sr Mokoena and the Nursing Unit Managers.
