A ‘Neonatal Unit Christmas’ for hundreds of babies

If the averages play true, there will be 16 babies born premature in New Zealand on Christmas Day. A number more will need specialist care as a result of health issues and complications.

They will join the hundreds of other babies already in a neonatal unit receiving specialist care. There are 355 incubators and cots in neonatal units across New Zealand

Christmas day is a day for families to get together, be together and make memories. While neonatal families 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.

In line with their objective to support families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey, The Neonatal Trust has organised ‘Neonatal Secret Santa’ to brighten up the day for families. Through the help of donations and great supporters (providing free and discounted items), a special package will be given to the families with a baby in a neonatal unit on Christmas Day.
Examples of the overall support provided by The Neonatal Trust can be viewed in this gallery.

Justine Brooker, Operations Executive from The Neonatal Trust said “We want to provide a Christmas package to each and every family with a baby in a neonatal unit to brighten their day”

“We set up a special donation page where people could contribute to this initiative and also leave a personal note that was hand-written along with others to go into the pack”

“Key dates like Christmas Day, Mothers Day and Fathers Day can be particularly tough for families with a baby in hospital. Many who have experienced this directly understand the emotions and juggle and have supported with donations and messages of support.

Key statistics:
• There are 355 incubators and cots in neonatal units across New Zealand
• If the averages play true, there will be 16 babies born premature in New Zealand on Christmas Day. Babies are classified as premature if they are born before 37 weeks gestation. A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.
• 40% of pregnancies involving multiples (twins, triplets, etc) arrive prematurely.
The Neonatal Trust is thankful to Multiples New Zealand, who provided a donation to help ‘Neonatal Secret Santa’ happen. www.multiples.org.nz
• 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. Many arrive very early – some as early as 16 weeks early (24 weeks gestation).
• 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 www.neonataltrust.org.nz:
o Charlotte, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 650grams - 132 days before going home for the first time.
o Samuel, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 668 grams - 116 days before going home for the first time.
o Elias, born 24 weeks 5 days, weighing 890 grams (2lb) - 123 days before going home for the first time.
ENDS

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