Early Buds Spreads Christmas Cheer for Premature Babies

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Early Buds Spreads Christmas Cheer for Premature Babies

Premature babies and their families will receive a special Christmas present from Early Buds this festive season.

The charitable organisation is sending 90 Christmas-themed packs to hospitals around the country.

About 8 per cent of babies are born prematurely in New Zealand (before 37 weeks' gestation) and many face lengthy hospital stays. For parents, leaving their vulnerable and often sick baby in hospital is a stressful time. Early Buds provides support year-round by offering parents the chance to order a "prem pack", which includes products and samples for both mother and baby as well as useful information.

This year Early Buds has teamed up with its generous sponsors to make the packs extra special and ensure families with premature babies know they have community support.

Early Buds founder Janelle Baine said the idea for the festive packs came after she received a donation of 86 NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) gowns made from Christmas fabrics.

"Our sponsors loved the idea and I am blown away by the support we have received for the project. We have some amazing items for the Christmas packs and we are very grateful to all who have contributed to them."

Each Christmas pack will include: A Christmas themed NICU gown, beanie, booties, snuggle bug, taggy blanket, re-usable breastpads, lollies, Santa stockings, Christmas bunting, hot chocolate and marshmallows and a book.

To order a pack for a prem baby or to support Early Buds, go to www.earlybuds.org.nz

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