Welcoming a new baby into the world is a momentous event that brings immense joy and transforms the aspirations of parents as they witness the arrival of their newborn. However, for little Melukubonga Mdunge’s parents, Linda and Lungile, their little bundle of joy’s arrival was nothing short of miraculous.
Born at Mediclinic Newcastle in May 2024, little Melukubonga was delivered after his mother, Lungile, experienced complications during her pregnancy.
She had to undergo an emergency caesarean section, bringing her precious baby boy into the world prematurely at just 28 weeks. As one can imagine, this marked the beginning of a challenging journey for Melukubonga, who spent a resounding 80 days in the hospital before finally going home on 25 July 2024.
Mediclinic Newcastle’s Maternity Ward nurse, Sister Arisa Naidoo, explained, “His birth weight was 980 grams, and he now weighs 1.810 kilograms.” She further highlighted the extensive effort that went into ensuring little Melukubonga could go home.
Furthermore, Sr Naidoo described how the tiny infant was initially placed on a ventilator and given oxygen, with the medical team continually adjusting the support as needed until he was strong enough to breathe independently. “He was given several antibiotics and underwent treatment to keep him in an environment that closely resembled his mother’s womb. This involved keeping little Melukubonga warm in a darkened room, with minimal physical handling from the Mediclinic Newcastle team and his parents, unless it was necessary.”
In addition, while the dedicated nursing staff worked tirelessly around the clock, special recognition is due to Dr Sam Vilane, one of Mediclinic Newcastle’s esteemed paediatricians.
Dr Vilane provided the essential medical treatment and guidance that ensured Melukubonga’s steady and remarkable development.
Dr Vilane, a paediatrician specialising in neonate and paediatric critical care, brought his extensive expertise and knowledge to the forefront. His collaborative efforts with the nursing staff transformed Melukubonga’s medical journey into a truly exceptional and heartwarming experience.
Moreover, with Melukubonga requiring vigilant care and extensive treatment, Mediclinic Newcastle’s NICU Unit Manager, Lee-Andrè Stuart, explained that over the past 80 days, the Mediclinic Newcastle team grew extremely close to this amazing little person.
“People have this perception that babies don’t have much of a personality, but they each have a unique personality and Melukubonga truly had a personality. Babies are able to show what they need, and you learn how to see the respective cues. Since Melukubonga was here, Sister Naidoo learned his cues quickly and became very close to him. When she would come on duty, the other staff would ask if she was going to take over caring for her baby,” smiled Stuart.
Such was the bond between Sr Naidoo and Melukubonga, she laughed and said she had mixed feelings about him now going home with his family. “I am happy and sad at the same time, as I got really used to his presence. We cuddle and care for the little ones like the parents do,” she said.
Reflecting on Melukubonga’s progress over the past 80 days, Stuart expressed that witnessing such a miraculous journey was a profound experience for the Mediclinic Newcastle team. “It presented challenges, but it was also one of the most remarkable journeys we have had the privilege to be part of. Observing Melukubonga’s growth and recovery to the point where he can now go home with his parents has been truly inspiring,” she stated.
With the Mediclinic Newcastle NICU and Maternity Wards teams growing extremely close to little Melukubonga over the past 80 days, a jubilant atmosphere prevailed on Thursday, 25 July 2024, when his parents, Linda and Lungile Mdunge, were finally able to take him home.
To celebrate this wonderful occasion, the Mediclinic Newcastle team demonstrated their love and care by organising beautiful cupcakes arranged in the number 80, symbolising the long and arduous journey leading to Melukubonga’s return home with his parents.
Beaming with pride and elation, Melukubonga’s father, Linda Mdunge, said, “We are ecstatic that he is finally coming home. At the moment, I am beyond words, as it is truly a joyful day. The past 80 days have been a strain at times, but the ladies at Mediclinic Newcastle have helped my wife and me immensely, guiding us the entire way through the process needed for our baby. They were also extremely lenient, allowing us to come at awkward hours to see Melukubonga.”
Holding little Melukubonga in his arms, smiling from ear to ear, Linda highlighted that the journey with his son over the past 80 days has taught him valuable life lessons that he would forever hold in his heart.
“I was so amazed when he was born. This little one was mine, but he was so small and tiny. Over the past few days, I have learned to have more patience and faith, and that God works. I would just like to thank everyone at Mediclinic Newcastle for the role they played in seeing Melukubonga coming home,” concluded Linda Mdunge.
With the Mediclinic Newcastle team delivering exceptional care, the Mdunge family can now leave as a whole, celebrating this wonderful milestone.
With all of this in mind, what are your thoughts on this incredible journey? Feel free to leave a message for the family and commend the outstanding efforts of the Mediclinic Newcastle team.
Comments 1
The nursing staff at this hospital are truly a special kind of people! Well done to yall!