The dawning of a new year was welcomed by the births of 17 babies (11 female and six males) in the Free State.
The first baby was born at 00:03, at the Dr JS Moroka District Hospital in Thaba Nchu to Keneilwe Thoabala (23) from Thaba Nchu. Her son weighed 3,260 kg.
At 00:04 Elisa Chinula (28) from Parys delivered her daughter (weighing 3,050 kg) at the Parys District Hospital in Parys.
The maternity ward at the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom delivered the third baby. Nthabiseng Mogola from Meloding gave birth to a 1,880 kg baby boy at 00:07.
Mathabo Leeto, Free State MEC for Health, visited the maternity ward at the Bongani hospital on 1 January where six babies were born.
Leeto met with the health care professionals and congratulated the mothers on their new family members.
The mothers received care packages filled with baby products, nappies, kangaroo wraps, and mothers’ toiletries amongst others. The sponsorship was made possible by MTN.
“Where breastfeeding is not practical, mothers are encouraged to express the breast milk 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 Leeto.
She added that mothers should also ensure that the babies get the necessary immunisations from birth, and always remember to present their road to health booklet, previously known as a clinic card, to the hospital or clinic as it keeps track of your child’s immunisation which shows doctors and nurses your child’s growth.
