Mediclinic Tzaneen celebrates World Prematurity Day
Mediclinic Tzaneen honours premature babies, parents, and NICU staff with heartfelt stories highlighting resilience and the importance of neonatal care.
TZANEEN – Mediclinic Tzaneen commemorated World Prematurity Awareness Day on November 17, honouring the resilience of premature babies, the parents, and healthcare workers who care for them.
The event brought together doctors, nurses, and families to share testimonies about the challenges and triumphs of neonatal care.
Mediclinic nurse Morongwa Makwela highlighted the unpredictable journey of preterm babies, noting that their condition can change rapidly from day to day. She emphasised the critical role of breastmilk in their recovery, especially in the early days when mothers struggle with milk supply. She encouraged mothers to continue breastfeeding even after being discharged, despite the challenges of feeding on demand and returning to work.
Others reflected on the high-pressure environment of the Neonatal ICU (NICU). Shengi Rikhotso, who transitioned from adult ICU to NICU in 2013, described the emotional and clinical demands of caring for fragile newborns. She recalled learning specialised procedures, responding to emergencies within minutes, and providing hope to anxious parents.
“It’s not an easy journey, but we see the hand of God in every life saved,” she said.
Parents shared heartfelt stories of fear, faith, and perseverance.
One mother, who delivered at seven months, said hearing her baby cry for the first time after two previous stillbirths gave her hope. She highlighted the emotional toll of leaving her baby in the hospital, pumping breastmilk late at night, and travelling long distances.
Another described how her daughter weighed just 765g at birth, yet the support from nurses helped her stay strong.
Mediclinic Tzaneen nursing manager Stephanie Hermann said the day served as a reminder of the importance of specialised neonatal care and the courage shown by premature infants and their parents.
