Christmas 2020 delivers world’s most cherished gift

From the night before right through to daybreak on Christmas morning, the anticipation and excitement around what nestles under the glittering tree is at fever pitch.

While children and adults were unwrapping the specially selected presents, the maternity ward at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital was preparing to receive the ultimate gift. Helderkruin residents, Nilesh and Sabine Vallabh, would welcome their new bundle of joy at 7.27am as a healthy baby girl named Millah said hello to her future. Weighing in a 2.96kg and measuring 47cm in length, Millah takes a name inspired by the Islamic word ‘bismillah’ meaning ‘blessing’.

Midwives Debra Coetzee and Landsa Erasmus were on hand to offer their expert caregiving skills after Doctors Neethling and Schulz delivered the baby girl. “We are calling them the ‘Coronials’,” quipped Debra cleverly, describing the moniker that the 2020 festive season babies have been christened with, acknowledging the unique period in which they were conceived.

A total of 227 women would bring a new life into the world on Christmas Day in Gauteng, setting a record for the province. Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, had special praise for the healthcare workers and the brave parents, saying “They are a beacon of hope in a very difficult period. Generations will salute them for their selfless service. Congratulations to all the mothers and their partners for their newborn babies.”

Baby Millah’s name also carries a special nod to the legendary rock band, Queen. The Vallabhs are fans of the band and ‘Bismillah’ is a lyric in the build-up to the crescendo of their breakout 1975 hit, Bohemian Rhapsody. The track has a timeless energy, and well-wishes are extended to the family in hope that they are able to emulate that enduring longevity.