Our story is a special one – premature born Maranatha
Maranatha Magwira was a fighter from the get go as she only weighed 1,7 kg at birth. She was born at 7 months, just hours before her mother's birthday.
POLOKWANE – “I was born on 11 June and her birthday is on 12 June. My mother was sick at the time of my birth. I lost a little weight after birth and weighed 1,5 kg. I was fed through a syringe and kept inside an incubator,” she said. She added that she cemented herself as a fighter when one night, a nurse reported to the rest of the hospital staff that the little fighter in her had kicked open the incubator door, which had most nurses running around in a panic because that is quite impossible.
She had to be moved to the intensive care unit for further observation on her development, weight and diet. “When I hit the 2 kg mark, I was discharged from hospital but to this day, no one can explain how it was possible for me to have kicked open the incubator door,” she said.
Maranatha’s life as a premature baby has been normal and she says she has not been treated any differently to her siblings by their parents. She added that she also would not want to be treated differently on account of being born before her predicted birth date. “I have always been as healthy as any child born to term. If there are any side effects, I have not noticed them. I am not affected at all, in fact being a premature is my motivation – a reminder that I am capable, worthy and strong. Being a premature baby is a miracle, therefore I live my life with zeal and character,” she said.
Her message to mothers of prem babies is not to worry because premature babies are incredible little fighters and reminders of hope. “Dear mommy, when your baby is placed in an incubator, it is all because their lungs are not strong enough to function on their own. Your baby needs the warmth from the incubator and oxygen to help them breathe. In some cases they will need a drip in order to be fed. Sometimes they will need breast extraction from you mom, so please do take good care of yourselves. Your breast milk contains nutrients which help the development of your baby,” she said.
She reiterated the importance of following the doctor’s orders by keeping the baby warm and in a clean environment as they are susceptible to getting infections.
“I encourage mommies to read books on how to take care and raise pre-matures or create friendships with nurses who will assist them if they ever need anything. Dear mommy, after a few months the little fright you had will be a beautiful story to tell. Sending love and strength to all premie mommies and their babies. Our story is a special one,” she concluded.
