Tiny Tshiamo celebrates her first birthday home
Courageous Baby Tshiamo was born premature, weighing about 500gr which put her chances of survival at risk.
When a mom’s blood pressure dangerously increased during pregnancy and medication failed to bring it down, the best hope for the mother and baby was an emergency C-section.
A year later, Ntsako Risimati reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of the past year and looks forward to her extremely premature daughter’s first Christmas and birthday at home.
Courageous Tshiamo Risimati was born 14 weeks premature and weighed a mere 585gr at the time, which is a little more than a block of butter.
“I still remember when I found out I was pregnant with her. I was anxious because I had already passed the biological clock to have kids. I was almost 40,” shared Ntsako.
“Twenty weeks into my pregnancy, my gynaecologist picked up that my blood pressure had escalated, and he quickly put me on medication to induce it. He also noted that my weeks didn’t align with Tshiamo’s growth; she was far behind.”
At 28 weeks, Ntsako’s blood pressure escalated, and she was admitted to the hospital for observation.
On October 14 2023, Ntsako’s escalating blood pressure necessitated emergency surgery. This comes after doctors revealed that the risk to Ntsako and her baby had become more critical.
“I was not prepared for this; I was going to the theatre for 30 minutes to have the baby, which was only due in January. I was extremely scared. I had to be put under anaesthesia to better control my blood pressure, and when I woke up, they explained my daughter was already in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“The first time I saw her, she was very tiny, unable to breathe for herself, and her body was underdeveloped. Doctors told me that her survival chances were very slim, but I knew she was a fighter from the start.”
Tshiamo’s struggles included underdeveloped lungs, low blood pressure and heart issues.
“I also had to be moved to intensive care as my blood pressure refused to go down, and I couldn’t go and see her. My partner and the NICU nurses were amazing, showing me photos and videos of Tshiamo so I could feel closer to her. One of the nurses even made a footprint of her tiny foot, which I treasure even now.
“After two weeks, I was discharged, and it was very emotional for me to walk out of the hospital without my baby. I would call the hospital now and then to check how she’s doing.”
Tshiamo spent Christmas in the hospital and on Valentine’s Day, she was discharged weighing 3kg.
“Tshiamo’s health improved gradually. She now sits independently, learns to crawl and enjoys broccoli.
“We celebrated her first birthday together, and this will be our first Christmas together. This is a dream come true.”
This holiday season, the Risimati family cherishes love, resilience and medical marvels that brought their tiny miracle home.
