201 babies born in the Western Cape on Christmas Day 2021

A total of 201 babies were born at public health facilities throughout the Western Cape on Christmas Day 2021.  This is a significant increase from last year’s 85.

The total number reported from 0:00 on 25 December 2021, comprises of 117 boys and 84 girls.

The Western Cape’s Health Department said that the first four Christmas babies were born in close succession. The first, a baby girl, was born at 00:05 at Mossel Bay Hospital, weighing 2,93 kg to mother Felicia Boysen.

SUPPLIED: WCG - Felicia Booysen 

The second and third babies, a boy and a girl, were both born at 00:20 at Mitchells Plain CHC MOU. The baby girl born to mother Kelsey George, weighed 2,77 kg. The baby boy, born to mother Babalwa Zuba, weighed 3,44 kg.

SUPPLIED: WCG - 2nd baby born on Christmas Day to mother, Kelsey George

SUPPLIED: WCG - 3rd baby born on Christmas Day to mother, Babalwa Zuba

The fourth baby, a girl, was born at 00:28 at Mowbray Maternity Hospital to mother, Thozama Mmene.

SUPPLIED: WCG

Provincial Health MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, congratulated the new parents.

"Congratulations all new parents on the birth of their babies on this special day. I would like to wish them a lifetime of happiness. May your greatest times be spent together. I want to emphasise the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. Provide your baby with a safe environment and good nutrition. Make sure their immunisations are up to date and that you play an active role in their development by talking to them, playing with them, and supporting them to reach their milestones. The Department of Health look forward to joining you on this journey.’’

‘’Western Cape Government Health congratulates the parents and staff on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals on Christmas Day. We look forward to being a part of their development journey. We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.,’’ Mbombo added.

The MEC emphasised the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

‘’Western Cape Government Health believes that from conception, the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical for their development. The physical, social, and brain development that takes place during this time is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a solid foundation for health and learning and good relationships down the line. This is an important time to support your child’s development through adequate nutrition, immunisations, and by reading or talking to your child.’’

Done By: Mitchum George