Mother City welcomes New Year babies
The provincial Department of Health has announced the birth of 175 babies at public health facilities in the Cape Metro on New Year's Day.
Of these babies, 93 were boys, while 82 girls were born.
The first baby, a boy, was born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital at 12.03am, weighing 4390 g and 50 cm in length, to mother Phumeza Jezile.
The second was also a boy, born at Karl Bremer Hospital at 12.04am, weighing 3620 g and 51 cm in length, to mother Melony Rank.
The third baby was a girl born at Helderberg Hospital at 00.36am, weighing 4330 g, and 55.4 cm in length to mother Nastehoshuute Abdullah.
One set of twins, two girls, were born at Tygerberg Hospital.
MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, has congratulated the families of the newborns. “I wish to congratulate all parents on the safe arrival of their newborns and wish them many years of happiness and good health. May you cherish the time together with your little ones, as parenthood is one of the best journeys,” she said.
A child’s health is most vulnerable during the first 1 000 days of its life. This period, from conception until a child’s second birthday, offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures. Minister Mbombo emphasised the importance of the first 1 000 days of a baby’s life.
“We as the Western Cape Government Health are excited to be part of this journey, from your baby’s first immunisation to their first steps; we are here to support you. I encourage all parents to remember the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. It is important to create a nurturing and healthy environment for your baby along with good nutrition, which can impact on a child’s ability to develop and learn. Ensure that your baby is fully immunised and follow the advice of health workers at your local clinic. Make time to play with your child and support him or her as they grow and develop. Remember to take care of yourself as well,” said Dr Mbombo.
The provincial Department of Health extended its best wishes to all parents on their precious newborns. It also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all healthcare workers, including midwives.
The health department delivers a comprehensive package of child health services and to find out more about its child health services, visit www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health/services/730/46524 For more on the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, log on to www.westerncape.gov.za/first-1000-days