87 BABIES BORN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY IN THE FREE STATE

by centra January 2, 2023

January 2, 2023 0 comments

18 BABIES BORN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY IN THE FREE STATE

Free State Hospitals Delivered 87 Babies (42 females and 45 males) on New Year’s Day from 6am on Sunday, 01 January 2023.

The first baby was born to Ms Emma Rakepa from Bloemfontein at 00:11 at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein. Her son weighed 3,2kg.

The maternity ward at the MUCCP in Bloemfontein delivered the second baby. Maselebalo Ramokoatsi, from China Square in Bloemfontein, gave birth to a 2,82kg healthy son at 00:35. The third baby in the province were born a few minutes later. Rethabile Makhanya’s daughter was born at 00:40 weighing 2,81kg also at MUCPP.

Ms Montseng Tsiu, MEC for Health visited the maternity ward at the Bongani Tertiary Hospital in Welkom where four babies were born.

Ms Pricilia Mohlakoana from Ventersburg welcomed her son Lebohang, weighing 2,75kg at 00:56. Katleho Peloentle Mndela (female, 3,45kg) were welcomed to Ms Yotasan Mndela at 02:31. She is from Winburg.

Ms Mathabo Kgahlisi’s son, Muhlurimpumelelo (3,45kg) were born at 04:00 and Ms Kedibone Moremi from Hoopstad welcomed her son at 06:58 into the world. A four are first time mothers.

Ms Tsiu met with health care professionals and congratulated the mothers with the new additions to their families. Mothers received care packages filled with baby products, nappies, kangaroo wraps, mothers’ toiletries amongst others.

“We urge all new mothers across the province to ensure that they breastfeed exclusively, at least for the first six months of their lives. Breastmilk continues to be an important source of nutrients to children after 6 months, therefore there is no need to put a time limit on feeds. Where breastfeeding is not practical mothers are encouraged to express the breastmilk and feed per bottle, because breast milk has major health benefits – such as strengthening the baby’s immune system. It also creates a strong bond between the mother and the baby”, said Ms Tsiu.

The MEC has encouraged mothers to ensure that the babies get necessary immunisations from birth, and always remember to take their Road-To-Health-Booklet, previously known as Clinic Card to hospital or clinic as it keeps track of your child’s immunisation which shows doctors and nurses your child growth.