Celebrating little miracles
It was a painful start to a beautiful journey of healing and growth for Shaleigh-Ann Lee (27) and her little baby boy, Ruzane Manell, born on 5 October at George Hospital weighing only 990g at birth.
"When I saw my baby for the first time I was so scared and asked God, why me?" says Lee. It has been an extremely emotional journey for her, but she accepted her premature baby. "I reminded myself that God chose me to be Ruzane's mom because I am a strong woman. My little baby's strength and warrior spirit has inspired me to stay strong."
The doctors and nurses play a big role in Ruzane's life and are around him 24/7. "At first I was so jealous because my baby would react to the sounds of their voices and not mine and his father's, but I am so grateful for them and the love they have shown."
The staff have taught her kangaroo mother care and how to breastfeed. Their care is one of the highlights during her stay at George Hospital. "I encourage moms of premature babies to give the staff an immense amount of love and prayer. And also ask God to provide you and your baby with strength to carry the both of you through difficult times. Remain positive. Your baby is a miracle, and you are his mother."
1 in 10 babies born prematurely
Dr Ilse Els-Goussard, neonatal specialist at the hospital, says that one in 10 babies are born prematurely and as a soon-to-be mom, you enter the risk of giving birth to a preterm baby. "It is important that you plan your pregnancy, be ready, read and learn about premature births, the importance of breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care because if your baby is born prematurely, you are prepared for the journey ahead."
Proper care and treatment
In a busy regional hospital, staff in the neonatal and high care unit go above and beyond to ensure that proper care, time and
treatment are given to each premature baby and their families.
To commemorate World Preemie Day, the hospital hosted a fun walk on 17 November and children who had received care as premature babies at the hospital, as well as their parents, were invited to join in the celebrations.
Clinical and administrative staff from the neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal staff participated.
Sr Wendy Dafel from the neonatal unit said a neonatal nurse plays an integral part in the care of premature infants. "We are their advocates and we need to protect them from a lot. It is important that premature babies are cared for in a stressfree environment where they are comforted, and have no pain. This includes protecting them from people talking too loudly, noisy environments, bright lights in the unit, and teaching moms how to hold, feed and care for their baby. It is important for doctors and nurses to adjust to their environment."
Comfort, touch and bonding between a mother and her baby are small interventions that have a remarkable impact on a premature infant's health and development. "We reassure the mom that we will walk this journey with her every day," said Dafel.