A Mitchells Plain family have welcomed four new additions to their family after the much-anticipated birth of rare quadruplets on Wednesday morning.
The excited family of Berenice Jacobs, 35, of Tafelsig says they eagerly awaited for news of the arrival of the babies after she was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital on Tuesday.
Neonatologist Dr Yaseen Joolay says after carrying her four, naturally conceived bundles of joy for 30 weeks, Berenice safely delivered her babies.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Voice, Dr Joolay described the birth of quads as “very rare” and explained that the babies were being monitored closely by a large team of doctors.
“It was quite a big team involved and I am looking after them in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“We were at the delivery and received the babies and she delivered via C-section,” he said.
“She delivered one boy and three girls and we can’t say for now if they are identical or not.
“They are currently stable and we are giving them care.
“They are nowhere near ready to go to their mother as they are pre-term and each of them is different.”
He says the baby boy is the largest and weighs 1.3kg while the smallest girl weighs just 680 grams.
“The delivery went smoothly and there weren’t any issues and mom is in recovery.
“Quadruplets are very rare. From my experience at Groote Schuur Hospital, and I have been here for 12 years, this is a very rare birth,” added Dr Joolay.
Berenice’s cousin Bronwyn Ruiters says the family was overjoyed that all went well, considering how worried the mom of three was.
“We know we won’t see them for a long time as they have to be in hospital but we are glad Berenice and the babies are healthy.”
Berenice and her husband are both unemployed and live in a Wendy house with their three children.
Meanwhile, plans for a mass drive-by baby shower on Sunday, 12 September, are well under way.
The event hosted by the Cape Caddy Owners Car Club and Cape Crew Charity will be held at the Westgate Mall parking lot where donations can be dropped off.
For more information about the baby shower, call Clinton on 066 227 5873.
monique.duval@inl.co.za