Babies galore livens festivities

Sunday Mail Reporter

AT least 36 babies were born on Christmas Day at three major hospitals in Harare and Chitungwiza.
By 2pm yesterday, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital had recorded the highest number with 24 babies followed by Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ Mbuya Nehanda Maternity which had seven babies.
Chitungwiza Central Hospital had registered five births.

In an interview yesterday, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital acting matron, Ms Patricia Munatswa said the hospital was expecting the number of deliveries to increase as the day progressed.

“The first delivery was recorded at midnight on Christmas Day. We had a total of 24 babies and of these, 12 boys and 12 girls,” she said.

“There were three women who delivered via operation and the rest were normal deliveries.

“We continue as health workers and midwives, to encourage mothers to come and book as soon as they know that they are pregnant. This will facilitate assistance of the mother to maintain a healthy life during pregnancy, delivery and during baby-care.”

One of the mothers who gave birth at Sally Mugabe Central hospital, Ms Lydia Bumhira said it was a blessing to deliver on Christmas Day.

“I feel very blessed to have delivered my daughter on Christmas Day, which is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I already feel that my child is going to be blessed because she chose to come to earth on one of the most important days of the year. I give glory to God,” the smiling mother said.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ public relations manager Mr Linos Dhire said: “We had seven deliveries by 12 pm on Christmas Day. We expect more babies as the day is still long. The birth of new babies always brings joy to mothers and their loved ones. Our midwives and nurses that are on duty are doing their best to give good treatment to the mothers and newly born babies.”

Chitungwiza hospital spokesperson Mrs Audrey Tasanarwo said they were expecting the number of babies to increase.

“We had a total of five babies by 2pm, two boys and three girls. We are glad that among all the babies born by this time, there were no complications. We hope this will continue as more babies are delivered during the course of Christmas Day.

“It is always a special moment for mothers when they give birth on Christmas Day. We are honoured to assist them.”