For couples, the arrival of a new baby is a life changing experience filled with immense joy. Yet, for Bonisiwe Baraza and Jabu Ntulu from Ermelo, their son’s early arrival brought fear and worry. But, due to the unwavering dedication of Mediclinic Newcastle‘s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), this miracle baby is healthy and with his family.
Seated in her hospital room, a beaming Bonisiwe shared their remarkable journey with Newcastillian News.
She explained that she went into labour on 29 July 2023, after she was just 26 weeks pregnant. “I was rushed to Mediclinic Ermelo, and I was so scared that I didn’t sleep at all that night,” said the proud mother.
Once at the medical facility, Bonisiwe was transferred and transported via ambulance to Mediclinic Newcastle, and it was here that she and Jabu’s mettle were tested to the limit.
“When our Ezwile Bayede Ntuli was born, he was only 900 grams. He was so small and I was scared that something would happen to him. I was pregnant twice before he was born, and I had miscarried both times and I was scared I would lose him too,” reflected Bonisiwe.
The tiny baby was immediately faced with a series of medical challenges, including multiple blood transfusions, ventilation, and oxygen support due to underdeveloped lungs. Feeding was also a struggle, and the NICU staff at Mediclinic Newcastle went above and beyond to help Ezwile’s gut adjust before reintroducing milk.
Furthermore, the NICU staff offered every possible medical care option and support without hesitation, told Bonisiwe.
She recounted the emotional rollercoaster, especially when Ezwile’s weight dropped to around 700 grams. “I cried, because I thought I was going to lose him, and I couldn’t lose another baby. He was the first of my babies that I could hold,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
Over time, Ezwile began to gain weight, and in September 2023, Bonisiwe was discharged, but her little one had to remain in hospital care. Living in Ermelo, she commuted weekly, eagerly awaiting the moment she could bring her son home.
Thanks to the NICU team, that moment finally arrived on Saturday, 21 October 2023, when the doctor called with the news that Ezwile had reached the required weight of 1.9kg. “I was so happy; I started screaming with joy, and I immediately came back to Newcastle,” Bonisiwe exclaimed.
On Wednesday, 25 October 2023, little Ezwile weighed approximately 2.070kg, and his overjoyed parents, Bonisiwe and Jabu, could finally take their little miracle home.
“This is a precious and significant moment for me, and being able to take him home means more than anything to me,” Bonisiwe said with a radiant smile.
Adding to the conversation, Jabu expressed his profound gratitude to the dedicated nurses and doctors at Mediclinic Newcastle. “I would like to thank the Mediclinic Newcastle staff members for their great work and their unwavering commitment to Ezwile. They also always kept us updated when we weren’t here; it means a lot to me,” he said, beaming with pride.
As Ezwile returns to Ermelo with his loving parents, Bonisiwe shared the special meaning behind his name: “His name means ‘Our ancestors have heard our prayers’.”
With Ezwile having spent nearly three months at Mediclinic Newcastle, the Neonatal ICU staff formed an immense bond with him.
Seeing him prevail against numerous odds through their assistance, the nursing staff celebrated the momentous occasion of his going home with his parents by having a cheerful farewell party with a specially baked cake and balloons. “He went through a lot and it is truly special seeing him going home with his parents,” stated the Neonatal team.
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