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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - With great love and joy, World Prematurity Day was celebrated on 17 November at the Provincial Hospital in Mossel Bay.
Mothers and their "preemie" babies - who were born before full-term - had a happy time at the hospital, in a room beautifully decorated for the occasion.
There was a special programme for the event. A packed lunch; juice and soft drinks; cupcakes, tartlets and sweets for dessert; as well as colourful fruit and marshmallow kebabs were served.
The theme colour for the event was purple, so the serviettes, balloons and other decorations in the venue were different shades of purple.
The maternity ward staff at the event wore head scarves in purple isiShweshwe fabric for the occasion.
The moms received generous gift bags and mementos of the day.
PHOTO GALLERY: World Premature Baby Day at Provincial Hospital
The babies, sitting on their mother's laps, were exceptionally well behaved. The moms cooed over one another's babies and compared notes, while the hospital maternity staff made the moms and babies feel loved and cared for.
Encouragement
A prayer was said, the mothers received words of encouragement and a special song was played for them.
The deputy manager: nursing at the hospital, Jubulisile Mahlangu, gave the keynote speech. She highlighted the fact that the survival rate of premature babies had improved greatly over the years. She commended maternity ward operational manager Priscilla van Niekerk for her hard work, organising the function for the mothers and babies.
Two trees were planted on the hospital premises: one is in memory of premature babies who passed away and the other is to celebrate the premature babies who have survived.
The mothers, babies and hospital staff at the two trees which were planted. At far right is Priscilla van Niekerk and second from right, Jubulisile Mahlangu. Photos: Linda Sparg
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