Halima Cisse, a 26-year-old woman from Mali, made headlines in May when she gave birth to nine infants at the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Morocco, breaking the previous world record held by “Octomum” Nadya Suleman. Suleman had given birth to eight children in 2009 through the IVF process.
The journey to motherhood for Cisse and her husband, Kader Arby, 35, was unexpected and fraught with challenges. Initially told they were expecting seven children, the couple received the shock of their lives when they learned it was nine just minutes before Cisse’s May 5th birthday. Despite the initial disbelief and fear, they were determined to embrace this unexpected blessing.
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Cisse was hospitalized in Morocco while her husband stayed in Timbuktu, Mali. The medical team managed to delay her delivery to 30 weeks, ensuring the best possible outcome for both mother and babies.
The premature birth, assisted by ten doctors and 25 medical personnel, resulted in four boys and five girls, all weighing between 1 and 2 pounds at birth. Currently, the infants remain in the neonatal intensive care unit, where they are carefully monitored and cared for.
Cisse’s recovery has been challenging, with her experiencing significant physical strain from the pregnancy and delivery. However, she remains grateful for the support of the medical team and the Malian government, which is covering the substantial costs of caring for the babies.
The daily care routine for the infants is rigorous, with round-the-clock feeding, diaper changes, and medical checks. Despite the immense challenges ahead, Arby is focused on providing the best possible care for his wife and children, emphasizing the importance of their safety and well-being above all else.
As the world marvels at this extraordinary feat of nature, Cisse and Arby’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and family in overcoming even the most daunting of challenges.
