NICU Awareness

NICU Awareness Month is all about putting the spotlight on Australia’s incredible neonatal intensive care units and the amazing staff who care for these vulnerable babies.

On average, 132 babies are born each day premature or ill and require specialised care to survive and thrive.

Whether it is specialised care to help a premature baby achieve a safe weight, or around the clock critical care for extremely premature babies born before 28 weeks of gestation and requiring countless interventions and surgeries, neonatal intensive care units are there to help young families through some of the most stressful times in their lives.

This month you can show your support in a range of ways. World Prematurity Day is on November 17 and the Miracle Babies Foundation is set to launch a comprehensive, evidence-based online resource for families of premature or sick babies.

You can register to raise funds for

Miracle Babies Foundation with a special event, and the website includes a range of ideas including “Plate for a Prem”, “Run, Walk or Ride for Miracles” and “In Loving Memory.”

Families who have experienced having a child that required hospitalisation after birth can also take part in vital research about Paid Parental Leave and the financial impact of having a baby that requires a NICU visit after being born. There is also another study calling for input from these families being undertaken on pain relief strategies for babies.

You can also leave a message of support for staff in honour of Thank U NICU Day on November 27.

Visit miraclebabies.org.au to find out more about any of these events or sign up to raise funds