Easter babies: Rubaga records higher number than Mengo

HEALTH | NEW | BORNS

KAMPALA - Rubaga Hospital in Kampala has recorded a higher number of babies born on Easter Sunday this year than Mengo Hospital.

The hospital recorded 11 babies while Mengo recorded 10.

Rose Nakibuule, Rubaga Hospital maternity ward supervisor, also a midwife, said out of the 11 babies delivered (six boys), five were through normal delivery while six underwent surgery.

She advised mothers to deliver from hospitals to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality rates in addition to embracing exclusive breastfeeding of their babies and family planning methods.

Nakibuule implored fathers to be ambassadors in supporting their wives, especially during delivery time including providing them with the best nutrition to enhance baby’s growth.

“Mothers should also not sit down but must engage in making exercises such that they enhance proper growth," she said.

Daphine Nabakooza holds her first born baby on Easter at Lubaga Hospital. (All Photos by Agnes Nantambi)

Mengo Hospital manager private outpatient department and consultation clinic Doreen Nimusiima said the hospital recorded a decline in the number of babies born on Easter Sunday with only two cases of C-section and eight normal deliveries.

According to Nimusiima, out of the 10 babies recorded to be born on Easter Sunday, four were girls and six boys.

She attributed the reduction in the number of babies compared to other years to the poor economy and improvement in government health facilities where the services are attained free of charge.

“Mothers are now opting to seek services from government health centres because of the improvement in the services delivery coupled with better facilities and equipment,” she said.

Daphine Nabakooza, one of the mothers and a resident of Kazinga in Kampala, said she was happy to deliver a baby on Easter Sunday being the firstborn.

Christine Atukunda, a resident of Nansana said it was a blessing having a new baby on Easter.