Christmas babies

Over 200 babies were welcomed into the world by the Western Cape Department of Health this Christmas. Image: Supplied

Christmas babies: Western Cape welcomes over 200 new residents

The Western Cape Department of Health has warmly welcomed over 200 new baby residents born on Christmas Day.

Christmas babies

Over 200 babies were welcomed into the world by the Western Cape Department of Health this Christmas. Image: Supplied

The Western Cape province welcomed over 200 babies born on Christmas Day. The Department of Health in the province celebrated, in line with traditions, all the South Africans brought into the world on the holiday.

In a statement released to commemorate the moment, the Department mentioned that the majority of babies born had been boys.

“The total number reported from 0:00 on 25 December 2021, comprises of 117 boys and 84 girls.”

Western Cape Department of Health

Interestingly, the Department noted that there had been something of a race to be the first born on Christmas:

“The first four Christmas babies were born in close succession. The first, a baby girl, was born at 00:05 at Mossel Bay Hospital, weighing 2,93 kg to mother Felicia Boysen. The second and third babies, a boy and a girl, were both born at 00:20 at Mitchells Plain CHC MOU. The baby girl born to mother Kelsey George, weighed 2,77 kg. The baby boy, born to mother Babalwa Zuba, weighed 3,44 kg. The fourth baby, a girl, was born at 00:28 at Mowbray Maternity Hospital to mother Thozama Mmene.”

Western Cape Department of Health
Christmas babies
Over 200 babies were welcomed into the world by the Western Cape Department of Health this Christmas. Image: Supplied

Christmas babies welcomed by Western Cape Minister

Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo congratulated the new parents.

“Congratulations all new parents on the birth of their babies on this special day. I would like to wish them a lifetime of happiness. May your greatest times be spent together. I want to emphasise the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. 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. The Department of Health look forward to joining you on this journey,” 

Dr Nomafrench Mbombo

Furthermore, the Department commended staff members for their dedication to their critical work.

“Western Cape Government Health congratulates the parents and staff on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals on Christmas Day. We look forward to being a part of their development journey. We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.”

Western Cape Department of Health

Department highlights importance of health children

The Department took a moment to encourage good health and encouraged parents to keep it in mind.

“Western Cape Government Health believes that from conception, the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical for their development. The physical, social, and brain development that takes place during this time is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a solid foundation for health and learning and good relationships down the line. This is an important time to support your child’s development through adequate nutrition, immunisations, and by reading or talking to your child.”

Western Cape Department of Health