A total of 188 babies – 122 boys and 66 girls – were born on Christmas day in the Western Cape public health facilities, the Department of Health and Wellness announced in a media statement on Monday December 26.
The first baby, a girl, was born at midnight at Groote Schuur Hospital, weighing 3.130 kg, to mother Stella Masunda.
Just one minute later, at 12.01am, a second Christmas baby, also a girl weighing 3.2 kg, was born to mother Miché Prins, at Groote Schuur Hospital as well.
Two sets of twins were also born, with the first set, two girls, born at 4.30pm at Tygerberg Hospital to mother Elvina Amos.
“We congratulate all new parents on the birth of their babies on this special day. Our message to all new parents is that of the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life (from inception to two years old).
“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,” said the department.
