Dr Cleo Mshumpela

22/11/2025

21/11/2025

An abscess can feel frightening when you first see it on your child. They often appear suddenly, look painful, and can grow or spread quickly if not treated early. In children, abscesses commonly show up in the neck, armpits, groin, or after an infected insect bite — and they can make little ones feel quite miserable.

When an abscess becomes big, very tender, or your child starts developing a fever, it may need to be drained. But every child and every abscess is different, which is why I always encourage parents to check in with their paediatrician as soon as possible. Your paediatrician will examine it, guide you gently through what’s happening and decide whether drainage is the safest option.

Drainage is a small procedure, but it brings big relief. Children often feel so much better once the pressure is released and the infection can heal properly.

If you notice:

• Swelling that keeps increasing
• Redness spreading outward
• A painful, warm lump
• Fever
• Trouble swallowing or turning the neck or
• You’re simply unsure and worried

Please, have your little one assessed. Abscesses don’t always settle on their own, and early care helps prevent complications — and gives your child comfort much sooner.

My goal is always gentle, safe treatment and making sure every child feels cared for, supported, and protected throughout their healing journey.

19/11/2025

💜 World Prematurity Day – Honouring Our Little Fighters 💜
(Observed yesterday)

Yesterday, we joined the world in recognising the tiny warriors who arrived earlier than expected, and the families who walked those first fragile steps with so much courage.

As a paediatric surgeon, I often meet preterm babies during some of their most delicate moments. These little ones may be small, but their strength, resilience, and will to thrive are extraordinary. Every gram gained and every milestone reached is a victory worth celebrating.

Premature babies sometimes need extra surgical or medical support in the early days – but with the right care, close monitoring, and lots of love from their families, the future ahead of them is full of possibility.

In honour of World Prematurity Day, I want to acknowledge:
• The parents who sit beside incubators with hope in their hearts
• The babies who fight bravely through every challenge
• The neonatal teams who give their all, day and night
• The community of support that carries families through

Even though the day has passed, the message remains the same: let’s continue raising awareness, supporting families, and working together so that every premature baby receives the care and compassion they deserve.

💜 To all our preemie families: your strength inspires us every single day.

19/11/2025

We asked Dr Cleo a few fun “this or that” questions so parents and patients can get to know her a little better — and here’s what she shared! ✨
1. Summer or winter?
👉 Summer
2. Beach days or mountain walks?
👉 Beach
3. Early mornings or late nights?
👉 Late nights
4. Books or movies?
👉 Movies
5. Sweet treats or salty snacks?
👉 Salty
A little peek into the person behind the scrubs — because connecting with families is just as important as caring for little patients. 💙

17/11/2025

To all the parents of my prem babies! You are the real heroes- I am honoured to be. A small part of your journey. Thinking and praying for you all today 🙏🏾

15/11/2025

November marks the beginning of festive gatherings, family braais and long summer evenings; but it’s also the time of year when I sadly see more little ones with burns.

Hot water spills, sparks from the braai and early fireworks can cause painful injuries which are frightening for both children and parents.

Burns on young skin are delicate and need gentle, specialised care. Some injuries heal quickly with the right treatment, while others may require theatre for proper cleaning, grafting or meticulous dressing changes to prevent infection and to support healing.

Please, keep little ones safely away from cooking areas, boiling kettles, braais and fireworks. A few extra steps of caution can prevent a great deal of pain.

If a burn blisters, looks deep or covers a larger area, bring your child to the emergency room as soon as possible: early care can make all the difference in comfort, healing and long-term outcomes.

14/11/2025

Every time I meet a new family, I make a quiet promise in my heart:

'Your child is safe with me.'

Paediatric surgery isn’t only about skill; it’s also about tenderness, patience and understanding the weight of a parent’s or caregiver's worry.

Your little one is held with care long before they enter the theatre.

13/11/2025

Many families love letting their little ones play outside during the warmer months, but even the neatest garden can hide sharp objects that lead to unexpected injuries.

Some of the hazards I regularly see in practice include:

• Broken sprinkler heads buried under grass
• Rusty wires or metal stakes sticking out of the soil
• Sharp sticks and thorns from bushes
• Old garden tools left lying around
• Splintered wood or hidden nails
• Broken plastic toys with sharp edges

These injuries aren’t always “just a scratch.”
When they happen on the legs, arms, or body, they can be deep and may require proper cleaning in theatre, stitches, or infection treatment — especially when the object was dirty or rusty.

If your child gets a wound that’s deep, keeps bleeding, or comes from an unknown object, please have it checked. In young children, infections can develop quickly, and it’s always better to treat early and prevent complications.

A simple habit like walking through the garden before playtime can prevent a lot of painful injuries and keep little explorers safe as they enjoy the sunshine.

02/11/2025

💛 It’s simple — the privilege of helping children heal.
Every patient I meet leaves a mark on my heart, and every parent’s trust means more than words can say.

01/11/2025

Your First Visit Matters
The first consultation sets the tone for the entire surgical journey.
This is where trust is built, questions are answered, and your child’s plan becomes clear.

Write your questions down, ask for diagrams, and don’t be shy to ask for something to be explained again — you are your child’s voice.

31/10/2025

🌟 New Blog Post Now Live! 🌟

A Guide to Your Child’s Surgical Journey 💛

I’m excited to share a brand-new blog designed to support parents and caregivers through every step of their child’s surgical experience.

From the very first consultation to the hospital stay and the recovery at home, this guide breaks down the entire journey in simple, reassuring language. It includes:

✅ What to expect at your first appointment
✅ How to prepare your child emotionally and practically
✅ What happens during the hospital stay
✅ Home recovery tips and checklists
✅ Common myths vs facts about paediatric surgery
✅ Real examples from South African families

My hope is that this resource helps you feel informed, supported and confident — because when parents feel prepared, children feel safer too.

Tap the link in my bio / stories to read the full guide. 💛
Your child’s journey matters, and you never have to walk it alone.

23/10/2025

💛 Kind words like these mean the world 💛

“Dr Cleo has been amazing from the get go. She kept us informed all the way, that gave us peace of mind.” — Monya Pretorius ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

At the heart of paediatric surgery is trust. I know how important it is for parents to feel informed and supported before, during and after their child’s procedure. Thank you, Monya, for sharing your experience.