Image: Anugra Lohiya

On the bright and early morning of Christmas Day, Limpopo province witnessed the arrival of 33 newborns at various public health institutions. According to the preliminary data gathered by the provincial health department, before 8 am, the stork brought 18 boys and 15 girls into the world.

 Breaking it down further, Thilivhali Muavha, the provincial health spokesperson, shared the stats. In the Vhembe District, seven bundles of joy made their debut—four boys and three girls. Over in the Sekhukhune District, there were seven more additions, including five boys and two girls. Notably, two of the new moms are teenagers, aged 18 and 19.

 Muavha shed light on the specifics: an 18-year-old from Jane Furse welcomed a baby boy via caesarean section at 01:30 am, weighing 3,850 grams. Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from Dilokong Hospital delivered a baby boy at 02:38 am, weighing 2,830 grams through normal vaginal delivery.

 Heading to the Mopani District, the morning saw the arrival of eight newborns—four boys and four girls. Among them, a 16-year-old mom shared in the joy. Details included twins, a boy and a girl born at 00:25. Dr CN Phatudi Hospital saw the birth of a 3,000-gram boy via normal vaginal delivery, while Nkhensani Hospital welcomed a girl, weighing 2,600 grams, delivered through caesarean section.

 In the Waterberg District, four babies—three girls and a boy—arrived on the scene. Noteworthy, three of the mothers in this district were teenagers. Meanwhile, the Capricorn District celebrated the birth of at least seven babies, with four boys and three girls. Among them, a 19-year-old mom at Knobel Hospital delivered a boy weighing 3,353 grams through normal vaginal delivery at 00:41.

 Summing it up, a total of 33 newborns, consisting of 18 boys and 15 girls, entered the world on Christmas morning at public health facilities across Limpopo.

 Additionally, the festive morning brought forth a unique aspect as ten teenage mothers contributed to the joyous occasion in Limpopo hospitals. In comparison, last year witnessed a total of 50 newborns in the province—25 girls and 25 boys—with 15 of the mothers being teenagers.

Source: IOL News