97 babies born on Christmas Day in Harare, Bulawayo

More than 97 babies were born on Christmas Day at the country’s largest referral hospitals in Bulawayo and Harare.

A total of 47 babies marked a special start to life on Christmas Day at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH), bringing joy to families during the festive season.

Parirenyatwa welcomed seven girls and nine boys, while CCH celebrated the arrival of 19 boys and 12 girls.

Statistics from Sally Mugabe Central Hospital were not available at the time of reporting. The hospital’s public relations desk could not readily provide the figures.

In Bulawayo, the holiday spirit was even louder with 50 births reported at the city’s two largest healthcare institutions – Mpilo Central Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).

Mpilo accounted for 27 of the newborns, while UBH recorded 23. The gender distribution showed a slight majority of girls, with 28 girls and 22 boys born.

Last year, these major hospitals collectively delivered over 200 babies on Christmas Day.

In interviews, mothers of the babies, said they felt blessed to have delivered their babies on Christmas Day as this is a double celebration for their families.

The biggest baby born at the UBH weighed 4,7kg and the smallest weighed 1,1kg. Among the proud mothers was Ms Patience Dzindikwa, who delivered the biggest baby at UBH. Cradling her son, she struggled to contain her joy.

“We named him Miracle because everything about his birth feels like a miracle. From his weight to the way he was delivered, this baby has amazed us all,” she said.

Baby Miracle is Ms Dzindikwa’s fourth child, but she said the experience stood out.

“This time felt different. From the moment I went into labour and rushed to hospital, everything flowed smoothly. The nurses and doctors were professional, warm and supportive,” she said.

For her family, Christmas Day will now forever carry a deeper meaning.

“Every Christmas, we will remember this not just as a holiday, but as the day our Miracle came into our lives. His siblings were all born in January, but he chose Christmas Day — he really stole the limelight,” said Dzindikwa.

UBH maternity ward matron, Nobuhle Thaka, said of the 23 babies born on Christmas Day, four girls and five boys were delivered through Caesarean section.

At Mpilo Central Hospital, the maternity wing was equally busy. Public relations officer Ms Norma Mabhena said the hospital recorded the birth of 11 boys and 16 girls.

“The largest baby, a girl weighing 4 520 grammes, was delivered via Caesarean section.

“The smallest baby, a boy weighing 1 140 grammes, was delivered through normal delivery and is currently receiving the necessary specialised care,” she said.

Mabhena said 17 births were through normal delivery, while 10 were conducted via Caesarean section.

“Our staff worked tirelessly throughout Christmas Day to ensure the safe delivery and well-being of both mothers and their newborns, making Christmas a truly memorable day for many families,” she said.

Among the first-time mothers was Patience Tshabalala, who welcomed a baby boy she named Terrence.

“I was hoping for a girl, but I am overjoyed. I can’t wait to watch him grow,” he said. *_-Herald_*