Phiwemna, a baby born prematurely due to severe pregnancy-induced hypertension, has defied all odds to thrive, bringing immense joy to the Madikizela family – a true Christmas miracle!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 December 2023) – The Madikizela family is living a heartwarming story that encapsulates the true essence of the festive season – their journey with their youngest member, Phiwemna, is nothing short of extraordinary, filled with moments that have touched the hearts of many.
Yandisa Madikizela was unexpectedly admitted to hospital at 25 weeks pregnant due to severe pregnancy-induced hypertension, also known as preeclampsia. What started as a routine check-up spiralled into a critical situation that demanded immediate attention.
Sister Amanda Grobler, the unit manager of the maternity and neonatal intensive care unit at Netcare Margate Hospital, expressed the gravity of the situation, “Yandisa was extremely ill. Preeclampsia can be exceptionally dangerous and can cause severe complications. It can potentially even be fatal.”
Phiwemna, fragile and barely holding onto life, then entered the world. The little baby weighed a mere 748 grams. However, the resilient spirit of this tiny fighter soon became evident.
Sister Grobler vividly recalls the transformative moment: “We warmed him and gave him a little oxygen, and that is when it all changed… he started rallying. It was a miracle, a total turnaround.”
Against all odds, Phiwemna refused to give up and although initially fragile, the little warrior showed his incredible resilience, captivating the hearts of his family and the dedicated medical team at Netcare Margate Hospital.
“It really is quite remarkable that this baby decided he wanted to live, against all odds. Fortunately, despite his extremely fragile state, he was generally healthy – he had no infection, and there was nothing wrong with his lungs,” Sister Grobler commented.
The Madikizela family’s joy was palpable as they welcomed Phiwemna home after 84 days in the hospital. Yandisa, a dedicated mother, juggled work as a policewoman with providing expressed milk for her baby throughout his hospitalisation. Her generosity extended beyond her own family, as she also donated excess breastmilk to the Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks to nourish other babies in need.
Sharing her heartfelt emotions, Yandisa said, “When my husband came to see me and told me our baby was alive, you should have seen his face; he was so happy. We named our son Phiwemna, which means ‘special gift to me’.”
“He is very good and is such a sweet baby, and I’m so enjoying him! I took him for his immunisations today, and he already weighs 2.21 kilogrammes.”
As the festive season unfolds, the Madikizela family is relishing every moment of their first Christmas with Phiwemna, their precious bundle of joy. Today, Yandisa is a picture of health, and Phiwemna continues to thrive, reaching new milestones and bringing immense happiness to those around him.
A true Christmas miracle.
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