Miracle Babies
During the Miracle Month of May, Miracle Babies Foundation is calling on Australians to help families challenged by prematurity or sickness.
The birth of any child is a miracle, but for parents of the 48,000 babies born premature or sick in Australia each year, it can be a traumatic journey. Of these, around 27,000 babies are born premature and sadly 1,000 babies lose their fight for life.
Parents of preterm and sick babies face many challenges and as a result are 2.5 times more likely to suffer postnatal depression. When babies are born prior to 30 weeks (very preterm), one in five parents still experience depression and anxiety six months after birth.
Mothers and fathers face different stressors following a preterm birth and for both parents, many factors around the birth and the challenges for years beyond can have a devastating impact on the entire family.
The NICU stay itself can be especially isolating and traumatic. It’s a foreign world and it’s never expected. During their baby’s stay, parents are encouraged to spend time with their babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) or Special Care Nurseries (SCN), however often accommodation is not available, resulting in parents having to leave the hospital without their baby each night. Research by Miracle Babies Foundation showed 91 per cent of mums of a premature or sick baby claimed that this contributed significantly to their anxiety and stress. Challenges beyond their baby’s stay can also continue for years beyond, including heightened risk of disabilities, developmental delays and behavioural challenges that can cause financial and emotional stress and can cause a strain on relationships.
With the right support though, we can ensure better, healthier outcomes for these families.
Miracle Babies Foundation provides vital emotional support and resources specifically for these families and the hospitals that care for them, and connects them with others who have been through it, right from a threatened pregnancy, during their hospital stay and for years beyond.
We need your help…
Sadly today, only 1 in 3 families have access to this support and we need the community’s support to raise awareness and vital funds to expand our services to reach more families.
During the Miracle Month of May, the Miracle Babies Foundation is calling on Australians to help families challenged by prematurity or sickness, by hosting a Miracle event this May – why not host a morning tea or dedicate a birthday or christening by asking for donations in lieu of gifts? Turn your May Gathering into a Miracle Event.
Other ways that you can help also include becoming a regular giver or by donating.
Visit miraclebabies.org.au for more information on how to get involved and help a miracle this May.
PLUS, on the 14th May, your donation could have 4 times the impact!
For 24 hours only, your donation will be QUADRUPLED in our special ALL or Nothing online event.
Donate on this date on the campaign page: www.charidy.com/miraclebabies to have every dollar you donate, multiplied by 4, thanks to matching donors Tommee Tippee, WaterWipes, BabyLove Nappies and Sydney Flooring.
ONE DAY ONLY. Ends 11am 15th May.
