For 110 years Mowbray Maternity Hospital has provided care to mothers and newborns in the Western Cape, helping thousands of babies enter the world each year. As the hospital celebrates this significant milestone it is also observing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Week from 17 to 21 October, a fitting reminder that quality maternal and newborn care begins with simple, compassionate acts that can change the course of a child’s life.

Under the theme “Care starts with us,” the hospital is highlighting the importance of Kangaroo Mother Care, a practice that promotes skin-to-skin contact between parents and babies and has been shown to improve outcomes for premature and low birthweight infants.

The observance aligns closely with the hospital’s long-standing commitment to respectful maternal care and its vision of ensuring every mother and baby is treated with dignity, compassion and respect. It is a reminder that sometimes the most effective care begins with human connection.

Vital role

For more than a century Mowbray Maternity has played a vital role in maternal and newborn health care. With 205 beds and between 700 and 900 babies delivered every month, the hospital welcomes more than 10 000 newborns each year. The facility also serves as an important training institution, where generations of health-care professionals have gained experience in obstetric, neonatal and post-natal care.

For mothers whose babies require additional support after birth Kangaroo Mother Care provides not only clinical benefits but also reassurance during an often emotional journey. Carryn Mitchell, who gave birth at the hospital in October and spent two weeks in the Kangaroo Mother Care ward afterwards, since her baby was premature, said: “When my baby was admitted I didn’t know what to expect, and so many thoughts went through my mind. The staff at Mowbray Maternity assured me everything would be okay and supported both me and my baby every step of the way.”

Care philosophy

At the heart of the hospital’s success is its commitment to respectful maternal care. “For many years we have been on a journey to promote respectful maternal care for mothers and newborns while creating a caring and supportive environment for our staff,” Janine Joemat, chief executive officer of Mowbray Maternity, pointed out.

“We strive to ensure every person who enters our space experiences respect for their humanity and dignity. Care starts with every interaction, every patient and every colleague.”

This philosophy is reflected in the experiences of patients receiving care at the facility. “As a first-time mother of a premature baby the journey was emotionally challenging,” Mitchell said, “but the nurses and doctors provided constant guidance and encouragement, especially at times when I felt overwhelmed. They helped me understand the importance of caring for my own emotional well-being and gave me the strength to keep going and focus on my baby’s recovery.”

Ongoing investment

The hospital continues to invest in improving the experience of patients and staff. Earlier this year a major 26-month renovation project commenced to enhance safety, modernise facilities and create a more comfortable environment for mothers, babies and health-care workers.

Beyond providing specialised clinical care the hospital also offers integrated services that support families during important milestones. Mitchell said: “I was also able to register my baby’s birth at the Home Affairs office located at the hospital, and the nurses kindly looked after my baby while I completed the process.”

The hospital’s long history is also marked by milestones that have captured international attention. On 11 January 1974 the Rosenkowitz sextuplets were born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital, becoming the first sextuplets in the world known to survive infancy.

Lasting legacy

“Whether through a comforting word, life-saving intervention or supporting a mother through Kangaroo Mother Care, care starts with us and continues through every generation of staff who serve our communities,” concludes Joemat.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness expressed its appreciation for the dedication shown by generations of health-care workers, support staff and leaders who have shaped the hospital’s legacy.