51 babies born on New Year’s Day in Byo

Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A TOTAL of 51 babies were born at major hospitals and clinics in Bulawayo on New Year’s Day.

Of the 51, 34 were boys and 17 were girls.

Nine babies were born at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), 32 at Mpilo Central Hospital, and 10 at Luveve, Pelandaba, Nkulumane and Northend clinics.

Mpilo Central Hospital Public Relations Officer Ms Faith Ndlovu said 24 babies were delivered normally while seven were delivered through caesarean section and one was a breech delivery.

She said the biggest baby weighed 4,1 kg while the smallest weighed 1,42 kg.

“The biggest baby weighed 4 100g and was delivered normally while the smallest weighed 1 420g and was it was a breech delivery. We had no deaths. Our youngest mother is 16-years-old while the eldest is 37, an age which sometimes has complications,” said Ms Ndlovu.

She encouraged mothers to give birth before the age of 35 to avoid complications.

Couples who spoke to the Chronicle expressed joy, saying it was a good way of beginning the year.

“This is a wonderful blessing from the Lord. It is a very big blessing to start the New Year by welcoming a new born. Although I expected him on January 22, I am glad I now have someone to share my birthday month with,” said Mr Admore Jecheche, the father to the biggest baby at Mpilo Central Hospital. — @NyarieBakie