GEORGE NEWS - The birth of five new babies in George Hospital and Mediclinic George was celebrated on Friday 25 December.
George Hospital welcomed the first Christmas baby in the early morning hours, at 03:52.
The mother, Donnelee Malgas, was radiant with joy over her healthy baby boy, Jacquin, weighing in at 3,62kg with a length of 49,5cm. Four babies were born at George Hospital on 25 December - one girl and three boys.
On behalf of Western Cape Government Health, spokesperson Nadia Ferreira congratulated the parents on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals. "We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day," she said.
Mediclinic George welcomed a single baby boy on Christmas Day, born at 08:26. "The maternity ward might have been very quiet, but as far as the rest of the hospital is concerned, we had a very busy Christmas," said deputy nursing manager Carin Kühnemund.
"We have a lot of patients and Covid keeps us busy. A total of 66 patients went through the emergency unit alone. The nursing staff was incredible."
Kühnemund said expectant parents nowadays have a birthing plan, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic everything does not necessarily work out as expected.
"These are abnormal times and it is also difficult for the parents. Parents need to get a Covid-19 test and visiting hours are limited. If the mom tests Covid-19 positive there are further challenges and concerns that one has to deal with."
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