By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
HEALTH
On Good Friday 18th April,2024, Glorious Betonde experienced a remarkable blessing, giving birth to six babies at Neo Care Fertility Hospital in Mbarara. According to Dr. Masembe Sezalio, a gynecologist at the facility, the odds of delivering sextuplets naturally are extremely rare, less than one percent. While multiple births are more common with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), this case was unique as it resulted from natural conception.
Dr. Masembe explained that the medical team had closely monitored the pregnancy and identified more than four babies in the womb. They decided not to allow the mother to carry the babies beyond seven months, as doing so would pose severe risks to both her and the newborns. He noted that a rapidly growing abdomen can affect vital organs such as the kidneys and stomach, increasing internal pressure and potentially leading to serious complications. He said as a result the mother would take a little food and would get satisfied because of the tummy exerting pressure on the stomach and other organs. He also noted that they had to operate the mother at 7 months of gestation because a delay would affect both the babies and their mother.
Thanks to meticulous planning and coordination among specialists—including two surgeons, two pediatricians, and a team of anesthesiologists and nurses. The medical team successfully delivered all six babies within an hour. The newborns were then transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital, where they are now receiving specialized care.
Dr. Masembe further assured the public that the mother was stabilized post-surgery due to excellent preparation. She recovered well and was discharged on the third day, with no cases of postpartum hemorrhage or other complications.
Dr. Masembe and his colleagues have urged people of goodwill to support the family, recognizing the challenges of raising six newborns. “Breastfeeding will be difficult, so we are closely monitoring their tolerance for feeding alternatives,” said Dr. Kyewalyanga.
Kyewalyanga Mike, a paediatrician at Holy Innocents children’s hospital, expressed confidence in the medical team’s ability to ensure the babies’ survival, citing a previous case earlier this year in which a mother successfully gave birth to quintuplets, all of whom remain healthy six months later. “With modern CPAP machines and advanced neonatal care technology, we have greatly reduced neonatal deaths in the region,” he emphasized.
The parents, Glorious Betonde and Vincent Tumwesigye, have extended heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at Neo Care Fertility Hospital and Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital for their exceptional care. Betonde also expressed gratitude to friends and well-wishers who have supported her during her pregnancy and appealed for further assistance as they embark on the journey of raising six children.
As the family prepares for the challenges ahead, the public is encouraged to extend their support in any possible way.
