A newborn, buried alive shortly after birth, was rescued after spending hours beneath the ground.
The 23-year-old mother, delivering without medical assistance, concealed her baby in a garden overnight.
Discovered the following day by family members the baby was still attached to the placenta.
Paramedics raced to the scene, unearthing the infant from beneath the soil, her fragile form covered in cuts and bruises.
Despite the trauma, medical professionals swiftly attended to her, cleaning her wounds and separating her from the placenta.
The baby’s weak cries spurred urgency as she was rushed to the hospital for further care.
Remarkably, medical tests revealed no severe injuries to vital organs, a testament to the newborn’s resilience.
After just six days in the hospital, the baby was discharged, her recovery defying expectations.
A detailed report of the case published in the International Medical Case Reports Journal highlights the critical need for timely intervention in neonaticide cases.
The incident underscores the complexities of perinatal adaptation and the importance of prompt rescue efforts for vulnerable newborns.
Under the care of her grandmother, the baby has shown remarkable progress in her recovery, as evidenced by follow-up examinations.
However, legal repercussions await the mother, who faces charges of attempted infanticide.
Initially detained in a correctional centre, the mother has since been transferred to a psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment.
The mother’s neglect of antenatal care during the pregnancy adds a layer of complexity to the case.
Despite the challenges, the baby’s survival is a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring awareness and advocacy for newborn welfare.
As the story unfolds, it prompts reflection on the ethical and societal dimensions of maternal and infant health in Uganda and beyond.
