Born at just 585 grams, tiny Tshiamo entered the world fighting – and a year later, she’s still proving that miracles come in the smallest of packages.
Krugersdorp, South Africa (28 October 2024) – In the quiet corners of Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, a fighter was born. Weighing a mere 585 grams, little Tshiamo made her debut in the world, defying the odds and challenging her medical team to bring all their skill, care, and expertise to help her survive.
A year later, her family celebrates a milestone that once seemed impossible – Tshiamo’s first birthday at home. Her journey from a fragile newborn to a thriving, feisty toddler is nothing short of inspiring, a story of resilience, teamwork, and love.
It all began with a sudden turn in her mother, Ntsako Risimati’s pregnancy.
“My blood pressure escalated out of control around 26 weeks into my pregnancy,” Ntsako recalls.
“At 28 weeks, on 13 October 2023, my obstetrician, who has since retired, admitted me for observation.”
Despite attempts to stabilise Ntsako, the situation quickly became critical, and just a day later, she and her partner Benny were told to prepare for the birth of their tiny daughter months earlier than planned.
“I was going to the theatre in 30 minutes, and I was extremely scared,” Ntsako says.
When she woke up, her daughter was already in NICU, fighting her own battles.
Tshiamo’s arrival was no small feat. Born at 28 weeks and weighing less than a block of butter, she required a ventilator and various medical interventions.
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“Being born so small is very risky, and the chance of survival is low, especially without complications. But Tshiamo was a fighter from the start.”
Alongside a committed medical team, Tshiamo faced down each challenge – from feeding difficulties to heart complications and a battle to keep her tiny lungs working.
The journey was long and not without setbacks. Tshiamo struggled to gain weight and faced feeding intolerance, but she had a support network of NICU nurses, therapists, and specialists all rooting for her. Among them was Dr Aurelie Gerin, who took over Tshiamo’s care in December 2023.
“Tshiamo was still oxygen dependent, but she had reached 1,400 grams, and her growth corrected to what most babies are at birth. Despite needing treatment for a hole in her heart, she was developing well.”
For Ntsako and Benny, the experience was an emotional whirlwind. The NICU staff’s warmth made a world of difference.
“One of the nurses made a footprint of Tshiamo’s tiny foot, which I treasure even now, and that inspired me to fight for my life,” Ntsako recalls.
As Tshiamo grew stronger, the family began skin-to-skin bonding, something Netcare promotes for its many benefits, from stabilising heart rates to creating unforgettable moments for parents.
“The nurses reassured us, and I’ll never forget lying with her asleep on my chest; it was the most amazing feeling,” Ntsako says.
Christmas came, and although Tshiamo remained in NICU, her family didn’t let the holiday go uncelebrated. They decorated her cot and dressed her in a miniature Christmas outfit, bringing a sparkle of joy to a challenging season. Tshiamo’s health gradually improved, and her team celebrated each milestone. The hole in her heart closed without surgery, and she was finally weaned off oxygen, allowing her parents to take her home on Valentine’s Day – a day overflowing with love and relief.
Today, Tshiamo is thriving, reaching milestones with a joy that belies her beginnings.
“She is a happy, feisty little girl and is growing stronger,” Ntsako shares with a proud smile.
“She can sit independently, is learning to crawl, and has a taste for broccoli with butter.”
Tshiamo’s parents remain grateful to the NICU team and all the healthcare heroes who walked this journey with them.
As Tshiamo celebrates her first birthday, she reminds us that the smallest packages often carry the greatest strength. This little South African is a little dynamo who has shown us all that no matter how small we start, the possibilities are endless.
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