RK Khan Hospital’s staff beamed with joy as they recently welcomed into the world their first delivery of quadruplets in the hospital’s 54-year history.
The babies were born prematurely, at a tricky 29 weeks, however, the blessed mother of the newborns could only sing the praises of the medical staff who assisted her.
“I don’t want to lie, I’ve received the best treatment. Everything went very well and I would like to especially thank the medical staff who helped me deliver. God has given me an unexpected gift. I was expecting three babies, but He has given me four,” said 30-year-old Nonhlanhla Khumalo.
The family genetics of the beaming mother runs strong as she is a twin herself and also has two sets of siblings who are also twins. Khumalo is also mother to an 11-year-old and a six-year-old.
The quadruplets are named Lulonke, Lunathi, Lukhona and the only boy of the lot was named Mailula after Mamelodi Sundowns footballer, Cassius Mailula, by his father, Mzwandile Mpontshane.
Dr Ilunga Nsungu, a medical officer from the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said that the quadruplets are making good progress after their premature birth.
“After complaining of lower abdominal pain, Khumalo was admitted to the high care ward for pre-term labour. She was given treatment to stop labour to allow the babies’ lungs to mature as they were known to be premature. She went into true labour two days later and the decision was made to take her to theatre for an emergency caesarean section,” said Dr Nsungu.
The babies will be discharged once they all reach the ideal weight of 1.6kg. Khumalo is being assisted by her sister in law, Lungile Mpontshane, to look after them until they are discharged.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane, was elated upon hearing the news of the quadruplets and made her way to the hospital for a visit to shower the babies with gifts.
She said: “We congratulate the Khumalo and Mpontshane families for these babies who were delivered safely, especially considering the risks involved in a delivery of this nature – particularly for a hospital of this size. This delivery carries a number of challenges and risks, but the staff were able to navigate that process very well.
“I also want to appreciate the work that was done by the medical staff who were delivering the babies, and those who are looking after them. It is very clear that a lot of work has been done. Considering that these are the kind of patients that they’ve not dealt with before, they have done exceptionally well. So, we wanted to express our appreciation to them.”
Dr Nsungu urges all expectant mothers to know that antenatal care is extremely important as it helps to ensure the best possible pregnancy outcome for mothers and their babies.
“Getting screened for pregnancy problems, assessing risks in pregnancy, treating any problems that may arise during the ante-natal care period and providing information to pregnant women can make all the difference in creating conditions for a safe pregnancy and successful delivery.”
