A Durban mother who endured an ordeal last year because of a hospital botch-up, is looking forward to celebrating her “miracle baby’s” first birthday.
|||Durban - A Durban mother who endured an ordeal last year because of a hospital botch-up, is looking forward to celebrating her “miracle baby’s” first birthday on Thursday.
Namita Girdhari, 39, gave birth to a healthy baby girl at McCord Hospital after she had discharged herself from Addington Hospital.
Staff at that hospital had woken her up and prepped her for a Caesarean section, which was meant to take place at 6am, but never happened.
She was later informed that there were no surgical supplies and the machines were broken.
A request to get transferred to McCord Hospital was rejected, until she had signed a forced discharge form.
“I was told that I was no longer allowed to go to Addington Hospital ever again after I’d signed those forms - no matter what the problem,” Girdhari said last night.
Her daughter, Devithi - which means divine mother in Hindi - is healthy, playful and talkative.
“She’s very bubbly, talks to everybody and likes winking at people,” Girdhari said.
Devithi’s arrival in the world may not have been an easy one, but she will no doubt one day cherish the fact that she shares her special day with Nelson Mandela.
“I’m really ecstatic about it. I met Madiba when I was living and working in Mthatha about 13 years ago. He is a true leader and icon,” Girdhari said.
She said that after the birth of her son - who is now eight years old - her doctor had told her that she would not be able to have any more children.
“I was told to have a hysterectomy. I had scheduled the operation when I found out I was pregnant. Devithi is truly a miracle baby.”
Girdhari said in celebration of Devithi’s birthday, they would be serving hot meals to homeless children in Chatsworth.
On Sunday, family and friends would gather for a birthday celebration at Mitchell Park, she said.
Daily News