A mother’s touch brings new hope at Rahima Moosa
The newly refurbished kangaroo mother care unit is transforming the way premature babies heal, through the power of a mother’s embrace.
Hope, healing, and the quiet strength of mothers took centre stage at the unveiling of the refurbished kangaroo mother care (KMC) unit at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital on April 16.
Led by Footprints 4 Sam, the refurbishment has transformed the space into a nurturing environment where some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients can grow stronger, one heartbeat at a time.
Read more: How Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital nurses own birthing experience inspired her
For Dr Joy Fredericks, head of the neonatal unit, KMC is more than a method of care; it is life-changing. “A baby is cared for on the mother’s chest for most of the day. She becomes the incubator. We see fewer infections, faster growth, and babies going home sooner.”
Rooted in a simple but powerful concept, KMC allows mothers to hold their premature babies skin-to-skin, regulating temperature, strengthening immunity, and building an unbreakable bond. The unit currently supports up to 16 babies at a time, offering not only medical care but emotional support for families navigating difficult journeys.
Also read: Renovated NICU and wards for Rahima Moosa Mother Child Hospital
Among them is mother Refilwe Abuede, who cradled her tiny daughter, Naomi, born at just 30 weeks. “It’s a very different experience, but the support, the care, and the guidance from the staff help so much.”
Holding her baby close has brought comfort and confidence. “It’s a wonderful experience. It helps her grow.”
The refurbishment has also improved essential facilities for mothers and healthcare workers, recognising that healing extends beyond medical treatment. From upgraded spaces to moments of care for staff, the initiative reflects a deeper understanding of compassion in healthcare. “Footprints 4 Sam has been amazing,” Fredericks said. “They don’t just focus on the space, but also on the people within it.”
In a hospital rich with history, this renewed unit stands as a reminder that sometimes, the most advanced care begins with something as simple, and powerful, as a mother’s touch.
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