‘Neonatal Mother’s Day’

Hundreds of mothers will experience a ‘Neonatal Mother’s Day’

There are over 350 incubators and cots in neonatal units across New Zealand. On Sunday 13 May many mothers will be spending time in a neonatal unit with their premature or sick full-term baby.

While neonatal mothers would much rather have their precious baby (or babies, in the case of multiples) at home on this special day, they are in the very best place possible for their care.

To acknowledge this special day, and in line with their objective to support families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey, The Neonatal Trust has organised a special gift pack as a pick-me-up for mothers.

Mr O’Styke, Executive Director from The Neonatal Trust said “We want to provide a special package to each and every mother with a baby in a neonatal unit to brighten their day”

“Through the support of some great organisations, we have been able to pull together a pack including a magazine, chocolate, licorice, food voucher, pamper product and a note of encouragement”.

Mr O’Styke added “Key dates like Christmas Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be particularly tough for families with a baby in hospital. We hope that this package will provide a bright spot for them this Mother’s Day”.

If the averages play true, there will be 16 babies born premature in New Zealand on Mother’s Day.
A number more will need specialist care in a neonatal unit as a result of health issues and/or complications. These premature and sick babies arriving on Mother’s Day will join the hundreds of other babies already in a neonatal unit receiving specialist care.
Key facts:
• Approximately 1 in 10 of babies born in New Zealand every year arrive early. That's one every 90 minutes, and over 5,000 in total EVERY YEAR
• Babies are classified as premature if they are born before 37 weeks gestation. A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks
• Many arrive very early – some as early as 16 weeks early (24 weeks gestation)
• Full-term babies with health issues and/or complications are also cared for in the specialist neonatal units.
The Neonatal Trust provides support for families with babies in a neonatal unit. This includes helping in practical ways by providing information, purchasing or contributing to the cost of equipment and also providing emotional and other support in order to ‘make a difficult start to life a little bit easier’. Examples include:https://goo.gl/O69Lpc

The Neonatal Trust receives no government funding and so relies on the generosity of the New Zealand community to continue providing the support that they do. If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.neonataltrust.org.nz/donation

Some stays in a neonatal unit last just a few days, others take a very long time. For example, from the personal stories on The Neonatal Trust website:
* Charlotte, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 650grams - 132 days before going home for the first time
* Samuel, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 668 grams - 116 days before going home for the first time
* Elias, born 24 weeks 5 days, weighing 890 grams (2lb) - 123 days before going home for the first time.

A selection of stories can be read here: https://www.neonataltrust.org.nz/personal-stories

ENDS

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