They were only meant to be born on June 6 but instead the Afrika triplets were fighting fit yesterday when they arrived at Port Elizabeth’s Dora Nginza Hospital for their six-week check-up.
The triplets, two girls and boy whose parents live in Graaff-Reinet, were born prematurely at 32 weeks at Dora Nginza Hospital on April 23.
They are the first triplets to be delivered at Dora Nginza this year.
Alia Afrika, 22, said her children’s early arrival had left her surprised.
“I didn’t expect them to come so early. It was a surprise for me but God was with us throughout,” she said.
Afrika said she was afraid of complications during their birth. “But I’m so happy that I gave birth without any complications.”
Afrika gave birth naturally, with Amy weighing 1.8kg, Amber 1.8kg and Americo 1.6kg.
They were discharged four days after entering the world.
And despite being born prematurely, Afrika said her triplets had not had any problems since.
“With the help of my mother and siblings we are managing with all three of them.”Afrika commended the hospital staff who took care of her and the triplets during their hospital stay.
“I am grateful to everyone who helped me deliver. Even the nurses were wonderful towards me,” she said.
Dora Nginza professional nurse Debby Skorbinski said Afrika was lucky to have delivered healthy triplets.
She said in most cases premature babies stayed in hospital for more than a month.
“When they were born they were healthy and discharged in less than five days. Even for their check-up after six weeks they are still healthy.”
Skorbinski was thrilled to find out that the triplets were still being breastfed.
Dr Farrad Khan, one of the doctors who helped Afrika deliver her babies, congratulated the staff for the safe births.
“I would like to say congratulations to the team – without them this wouldn’t be possible.”
He said the successful delivery spoke volumes about the expertise at the Dora Nginza Hospital.
“We are so proud that the triplets were all delivered successfully with no complications and are fit and healthy,” he said.
“We are also proud of the mother for taking such good care of her newly born babies,” he said.