Life Springs Parkland Hospital hosted an event on Friday to commemorate World Prematurity Day, which is observed annually on November 17.
The programme raised awareness of premature birth and the concerns of prematurely born babies and their families.
The programme director, nursing service manager Zelda Munnik, introduced the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) manager, Mduduzi Mosia, who welcomed the guests.
Speaking about the purpose of the event, Munnik said, “We celebrate the resilience of our tiniest fighters and honour the dedication of parents and healthcare teams who walk this journey with courage and hope.”
Parents were present to engage with the healthcare workers, including speech therapist Olivia Wilkinson and Dineo Khaoli, who spoke about the various risk factors for speech and language delays in preterm babies.
Trudy Mhlambi and her baby, Thingo and Dr Tanyah Ndou. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Other speakers included Dr Tanyah Ndou, who discussed common health complications, and Sr Heather Jepson, who discussed breastfeeding techniques.
A former patient and author of Forever Hope, Dominique van der Watts, was a guest speaker who shared her personal story about miscarriage, high-risk pregnancy, and NICU time.
“Going home and seeing the crib without your baby is heartbreaking, but the NICU becomes a part of your family. We endured so much medical jargon and also witnessed the strength of all the premature babies in the NICU. As parents, we experienced days of progress and days of setbacks,” she said.
“The NICU is a unique and terrifying experience for every parent. We need to trust the healthcare workers, though parents feel overwhelmed and afraid. The healthcare specialists are trained, knowledgeable, and want the best for your baby,” Van Der Watts said.
Parents, Carl and Tamara with their preterm baby, Kaziah who was discharged a month ago. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
The hospital’s manager, Cora Muller, and nurse manager, Nashira Cevikmen, delivered the closing statements.Cevikmen told the Springs Advertiser about this year’s theme, ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future’.
“It is important for us to honour these babies and to support their families because we know no one expecting a baby thinks theirs is going to end up in the NICU,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of dialogues of this nature and allowing parents to ask questions about health matters they need clarity on.
Since this event was hosted on the same day as the national shutdown for gender-based violence, Cevikmen spoke of women’s unwavering strength.
“Women are immensely strong. Days like this show that we as women have to continue to support each other. Don’t suffer in silence. There is always somebody out there who has been through what you have been through, so speak up,” she concluded.
Dr Tanyah Ndou.Photo: Buhle Matsoele
NICU unit manager, Mduduzi Mosia and pharmacy stock controller, Sibusiso Shongwe. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
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