26 babies born on Christmas day in Bulawayo

TWENTY-SIX babies were born on Christmas Day at Bulawayo's three largest hospitals. Mpilo Central Hospital successfully delivered 15 babies while United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) delivered eight with Mater Dei delivering three babies.

The matron at Mpilo, Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, said the majority of babies born at her institution were girls.

"Fifteen babies were born on Christmas day of which 11 were girls and four were boys. Our first baby was delivered around 3:44AM. Two of the mothers delivered through caesarian operations," said Ndlovu.

Chronicle News crew visited the hospitals yesterday and the officials said the babies were in good health.

UBH matron Pauline Makuyana said her institution delivered eight boys.

"Eight male babies were delivered on December 25," she said.

Mater Dei which recorded the least number of babies also had three males.

The mothers who spoke to Chronicle could not hide their joy over giving birth on Christmas Day.

"I am very happy to have delivered my baby on Christmas Day. As a Christian, this means so much to me as my baby shares a birthday with Jesus Christ," said Loveness Nhundu, who gave birth at Mpilo hospital.

At UBH, Sibonginkosi Mthombeni said she was elated to have given birth to her second child on Christmas day.

"It has always been my dream to have a baby on Christmas day. This is my second child and I'm so excited," she said.

Last year, 28 babies were born on Christmas day, with Mpilo Hospital recording 18 births, UBH eight and Mater Dei with two.

A majority of people, world over celebrate Christmas Day on December 25, a day which Jesus was born.