Baby Miya was buried on Valentines Day
Image: Amy-Leigh (Facebook)
The Kleinbooi family from Matroosfontein has shared the painful details surrounding the death of their newborn baby, Miya, as they begin the difficult journey of healing after an unimaginable loss.
Amy-Leigh Kleinbooi (26) spoke on behalf of her mother, who is still too traumatised to recount the events of that weekend herself.
According to the family, Miya’s mother went into labour on 6 February 2026. By 10pm that Friday night, she was already 8cm dilated. Throughout the night, she repeatedly alerted doctors, sisters and nurses that she was not feeling any pain and that something did not feel right.
“She kept telling them something was wrong,” Amy-Leigh said. “She became more and more worried, but her concerns were ignored. They told her they would come back to check on her, but they never did.”
By 8am on Saturday morning, the situation had escalated dramatically. Miya’s mother was suddenly rushed into theatre. The family waited anxiously for hours, unsure of what was unfolding behind closed doors. She only emerged around 1pm.
It was then, the family said, that they were informed both mother and baby had to be resuscitated.
“We almost lost my mom that day,” Amy-Leigh said.
Miya, a full-term baby weighing 3.1kg, had gone into distress while still in the womb. She was born and immediately placed on oxygen and connected to multiple tubes as doctors attempted to stabilise her.
Despite efforts to save her, the family was later told that there was nothing more that could be done.
On Sunday morning, 8 February 2026, their precious baby passed away.
“She would’ve lived a normal life if they had just acted quickly,” Amy-Leigh said. “She was buried on Valentine’s Day, which was very heartbreaking. We were looking forward to having a newborn around, and especially a baby sister. Now she is gone and we are with a mom who is absolutely shattered.”
Valentine’s Day typically a celebration of love has now taken on a different meaning for the Kleinbooi family, who gathered to lay their newborn to rest instead of welcoming her home.
In a heartfelt message, the family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from the community during their darkest days.
“We would like to sincerely thank every person who attended baby Miya’s funeral, sent messages, prayed for us, brought food, or supported us in any way,” the family said. “Your love and presence carried us through one of the hardest days of our lives. We will forever be grateful for the kindness shown to our family and for honouring our precious Miya so beautifully.”
They also clarified that the funeral was not paid for by any single individual or platform, but was made possible through donations from many people, together with contributions from their own pockets.
Miya’s mother has since been discharged from hospital, but her recovery remains ongoing. She will need follow-up appointments and continued medical care which requires financial assistance as she tries to rebuild her strength while coping with the devastating loss of her baby,
“BackaBuddy campaign therefore remains open to assist with her medical expenses, transport, counselling, and potential legal fees,” Amy-Leigh said.
As the family leans on their faith, community, and one another, they say their focus is on supporting a grieving mother and honouring the memory of a little girl whose life, though brief, will never be forgotten.
Anyone wanting to help can contact Amy on: 067 659 9807