PICTURE: Mrs Magreth Mukonya (centre) being assisted by her in-laws to hold her triplets.
THE joy of being bearing off-springs was short lived for a Chipinge family when the mother gave birth to triplets last month.
Thirty-eight year-old Mrs Magreth Mukonya of Tanzwa 1 village in Chisumbanje communal lands under Chief Garahwa in Chipinge South gave birth to three identical girl triplets in St Peter's Mission Hospital near Checheche Growth Point on 21 August this year. Upon birth, the three babies Trish, Trinity and Thelma weighed 2.3kg, 1.95kg and 1.9kg respectively. They were all were underweight.
The mother was released from hospital this week when the babies gained average weight of 2.5kg. The challenge lies in the babies getting amble resources to keep them healthy. “I had no budget for three babies,” revealed Mrs Mukonya when this paper visited her at home.
“I have five other children, four of whom are doing secondary education. My husband does menial jobs which are hard to come by. We used to depend on farming but our area is hit by drought after drought. I appeal for assistance from well-wishers,” continued the mother.
Asked what she requires in particular, Mrs Mukonya said: “The babies need toiletries, warm clothing, baby blankets, baby food supplements, baby formula and baby wheeled push chairs.”
The mother who is grateful for the assistance she received from the St Peter's Mission Hospital staff and Mr Flex Sibamba, a Checheche based businessman, during her stay in hospital can be contacted on mobile number +263 775 328 186.