SHE wasn’t expected to see the bright lights of Christmas with her family.
In fact, born weighing only 660 grams, tiny infant Nozibusiso Gabela had to fight bravely just to stay alive after her birth at just 24 weeks on 9 March this year.
That she not only defied the odds, but is now as healthy and strong as any other little girl her age, is tribute as much to the excellent medical care she received as to her own instinct for survival.
According to Sr Marlene Naidoo, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Manager at Netcare The Bay Hospital, babies born at this gestational age only have a 50% to 66% chance of surviving.
Yet baby Gabby, as she is affectionately known to doctors and nurses at the hospital, miraculously survived the life threatening complications associated with micropremature birth.
‘Now, nearly 10 months later, she is a beautiful and blossoming baby girl, weighing a healthy 3.95 kilograms,’ said Sister Naidoo.
She explained that in the case of micropremature babies, the developing organs are not mature enough to allow for normal postnatal survival.
‘Such infants are at a greater risk to develop short- and long-term complications.
‘These include breathing difficulties owing to an immature respiratory system, cardiovascular disorders, a compromised immune system, hearing and vision difficulties, and neurological problems.’
In South Africa, more than eight out of every 100 babies are born prematurely, which is before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Baby Gabby’s mother, Sibonisiwe Gladness Gabela, says despite the fear she had for her little baby’s life, the nurses and doctors at the hospital were really wonderful and helped comfort and reassure her during this stressful period.
‘And while it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to baby Gabby after her 171-day stay, it was indeed a bittersweet moment and we are proud to have been an integral part of this little fighter’s journey towards life,’ said Sister Naidoo.
