In a heartwarming video, Connie shared a precious moment of her son Shona talking, reminding us all of his vibrant personality and infectious smile. This touching moment serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy that children bring into our lives.
And on Christmas Day in 2023, South Africa welcomed over 500 new bundles of joy, as confirmed by the Department of Health.
The first baby to enter the world on Christmas Day was a healthy baby girl, born at midnight at Galeshewe Day Hospital in the Northern Cape. Just two minutes later, a baby boy was delivered at 12:02 am at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
[ Connie Reflects On Her 3rd Christmas Without Shona Ferguson (VIDEO) ]
The excitement continued as another baby was born at 12:03 am at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape, followed by the fourth baby at 12:04 am at West End Community Health Centre, also in the Eastern Cape.
Among the babies born on Christmas Day, nearly 40% were delivered in Gauteng health facilities, with the next largest number of births occurring in KwaZulu-Natal facilities. This highlights the dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals across the country who ensure the safe arrival of these precious little ones.
The Department of Health takes this opportunity to remind mothers about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to two years of their babies’ lives.
Breastfeeding not only promotes optimal growth and development but also provides a strong foundation for a long, safe, and healthy journey of life.
In addition to breastfeeding, the department emphasizes the significance of immunizations to protect newborns against life-threatening childhood diseases such as polio, measles, and smallpox.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to follow the immunization schedule outlined in the Road-to-Health Booklet, commonly known as the clinic card, to ensure their children’s well-being.
Furthermore, the department urges parents to register their babies for birth certificates within 30 days after birth to avoid any delays.
To make this process more convenient, the Department of Home Affairs has established 161 offices at public hospitals and selected clinics. This initiative aims to promote early birth registration and provide parents with easy access to the necessary paperwork.
Recognizing the importance of comprehensive care for children, the Department of Health has partnered with various stakeholders in the health sector to launch the Side-by-Side campaign and the MomConnect initiative.
These programs aim to support mothers in providing nurturing care for children under the age of five, ensuring their overall well-being and development.
The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, and the arrival of over 500 babies on Christmas Day in South Africa is truly a cause for celebration. These little ones bring hope, love, and joy into the world, reminding us of the beauty and preciousness of life.
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