KNYSNA NEWS - World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the challenges for these babies and their families worldwide.

One such case locally is that of Caleb Cornelius who was born at Knysna Provincial Hospital on 11 October at just 32 weeks, weighing 2.01kg. 

The now five-week-old “miracle baby” has since been discharged from the hospital and is in the loving and watchful care of his doting parents Jason and Bianca Cornelius after what they describe as “a long journey”.

Bianca says the overall experience has been overwhelming. “I was scared and didn’t know what to expect. After giving birth, I could only give him a kiss and the nurses took him away. I only held him after four days, which was complete torture… I wanted to cry every day but I had to be strong for my baby and I drew strength from the nurses and my husband’s support.”

Only after six days was the emotional mother able to sleep close to her son.

“I was so excited, I was told I have to do kangaroo mother care, I had put him on my chest, skin to skin, which I’m still doing today, but I can’t move because that is the only place he wants to be and I am not complaining. I love every minute of it.”

Nobody should ever have to go through this, Bianca adds, but if this were to happen, they should trust that their “little wonder” will get the best help from the nurses and doctors. 

ARTICLE: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST

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