Burst of purple for premature babies at hospital’s awareness day

Lenmed Private Hospital held an event where they invited various guest speakers to spread awareness about prematurely born babies.

On November 21, Lenmed employees decorated the hall with bursts of the colour purple.

Multiple guest speakers, including a paediatrician, speech therapist, social worker as well as parents addressed the effects of prematurity.

Aubrey Phenduka is the father of a prematurely born daughter, Ligugu. Although Ligugu is now two years old and healthy, she was born when her mother was only 32 weeks pregnant.

“When she was born she had to be put in an incubator. It was a very scary moment for us and we were so nervous. But in that moment you have to be strong and brave,” Aubrey expressed.

Speech therapist Tshwarelo Mashike said it is his job to help with assessing and feeding the prematurely born babies, especially since they have to be put on a nasogastric tube.

“Prematurity can often affect a child’s language in the long run, so it is our job to get the child on par with language. We usually work with a premature baby until we can see the baby does not need to be helped anymore,” he said.

Khomotso Phala represented social workers who help families with premature babies. She explained social workers often work with the whole family and not just the child.

“We offer emotional support and provide psychological stability when the family is being emotionally affected by the situation. It is always difficult to walk the path of prematurity alone and therefore we give a safe space for family members,” she said.

While the baby is being discharged from the hospital, social workers ensure that a smooth transition takes place.