Homa Bay County Referral Hospital is ringing in the festive season in a way no one expected by delivering a baby boom that could give Santa’s sleigh a run for its money.
Linda Tindi, nurse in charge of the newborn unit, says December has seen an extraordinary surge in deliveries.
“This month, we have had quite a surge in deliveries. Currently, we are around 280, and we are fast approaching 300, which is way over our target,” Tindi said.
The hospital’s usual monthly target is just 150 babies, but clearly, Cupid had a lot to do with the unexpected spike.
“This facility target is around 150, and most of the time we exceed it but December is on a whole new level,” she added.
Adding to the festive frenzy, multiple births have been flying in faster than Christmas gifts. Twins and triplets are making the newborn unit look like Santa’s workshop on overtime.
“We’ve had triplets and several sets of twins this month. It’s definitely higher than previous months,” Tindi explained.
“As of today, a mother delivered triplets, and others have already been discharged to celebrate Christmas at home.”
Currently, the ward is bustling with babies, including five sets of twins. Some babies are in perfect health, while a few underweight infants are receiving specialized care in the newborn unit.
“Twins are quite a number. Right now, there are five in the wards three healthy, and two needing extra care,” said Tindi.
Amid the chaos, there is reason for celebration: newborn survival rates have reached an all-time high.
“Out of the 59 babies admitted this month, two have died and 57 are alive. That gives us a survival rate of over 90 percent,” Tindi said.
“Previously, survival rates were about 60 to 70 percent, so this is a huge improvement.”
Tindi credits the success to better equipment, reliable oxygen, and strong support from hospital partners.
“What really helped is having adequate oxygen. Most of our babies come in with breathing difficulties, and right now, about 15 are on oxygen. We can manage them comfortably, which is a big win,” she said.
The festive rush has even stretched the hospital’s capacity. With 23 babies in just 16 beds, staff are making the most of every crib proving that Christmas miracles do happen in Homa Bay.
“The hospital and our partners have been amazing in supporting us. Without them, we couldn’t keep up with this surge,” Tindi said.
This December, Homa Bay has truly seen love and babies multiply. Whether it’s the results of last Valentine’s Day or the spirit of Christmas, one thing is clear: the newborn unit is buzzing, the survival rates are soaring, and Santa might just have some competition in the baby-delivery department.