Miracle Babies Foundation

Last week our CEO and CoFounder, Kylie Pussell was privileged to have a tour of the Neonatal Unit at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Charité University Hospital) In Berlin, Germany.   “I am always so in awe of the passionate and caring staff that work in neonatal units and care for premature and sick babies and their families across the world. I have been privileged to visit many neonatal units globally and the Charite campus at Berlin was another highlight. It was an impressive unit and I especially loved the regular music therapy for babies.” Kylie said   Special thanks to Silke Mader, EFCNI - European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Professor Christoph Buhrer, @Dr Laura Reimer and Dr Christof Dame for sharing their knowledge and insight into babies and families care in the neonatal unit in Berlin.

Today is Kangaroo Care Awareness Day which also marks the start of our annual KANGAROO-A-THON, where we encourage NICU and SCN units around Australia to participate in a challenge that tallies the kangaroo-cuddle hours had between baby and their families for two weeks. The Kangaroo-a-thon will run from the 15th to 29th of May. We are making things easier this year! To participate in the Kangaroo-a-thon, please first check if your hospital has registered by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/gG-eN_Rr. You will also find the 'instructions for parents' in the link above which are a few steps for you to join. Share your Kangaroo Care photos on social media! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and share your Kangaroo Cuddle photos. Be sure to tag @miraclebabies and use these hashtags: #miraclebabies #kangaroocare #kangaroocuddle #nicu #specialcare #premmie

There is 1 week to go until our 24-Hour Quadruple Giving Day! This year it will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2024. Write it down on your calendars so you don't forget! Quadruple Giving Day is one of our largest fundraising events for the year, and your support will make a huge impact. Donations made on Quadruple Giving Day will help to expand the reach of our peer services and vital resources for the remainder of the year, supporting more of the 48,000 families with a premature or sick newborn. Get a team together and challenge 10 of your friends and family to donate $10 each. Your team has just instantly raised $400 which is going to help support 6 families throughout their hospital journey. You can create your team today or make a pre-pledge donation before the big day. Click here to make your team or to donate:

We are excited to announce 2 NEW NurtureGroups are opening in Newcastle, NSW and Geelong, VIC. Both new NurtureGroups will be commencing on the 23rd of May! Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup is a free play and support group for families who have had a child in the NICU and/or Special Care Nursery. We offer a safe and secure environment for children from birth to starting school, who have been challenged by prematurity or sickness in which they can learn and develop through play, whilst offering families ongoing parent support after leaving the safety of a NICU/Special Care Nursery. The details - Newcastle When: Thursdays (fortnightly), 10:00am – 12.00pm Where: Wallsend Pioneers Memorial Hall 54 Cowper St Wallsend NSW 2287 Cost: Attendance for all sessions is free. The details - Geelong When: Thursdays (fortnightly), 10:00am – 12.00pm Where: Grovedale Child and Family Centre 45 Heyers Rd Grovedale VIC 3216 Cost: Attendance for all sessions is free. All Nurturegroups have a morning tea for families to enjoy! If you would like to attend Newcastle or Geelong NurtureGroup, please click here to find out more information and to register: https://lnkd.in/gUVEXSBr

Salesforce's Rohan Bentley is leading the charge in the Sydney Salesforce Tower Stairclimb, drawing inspiration from his daughter Elka, 11. Elka's incredible journey into the world is a testament to both the advancements in medical science and her unwavering spirit. Born prematurely at just 29 weeks and six days, weighing only 1.53 KG, Elka's path to survival unfolded across three different hospitals.  This event aims to raise funds for the Miracle Babies Foundation, which supports premature babies and their families across Australia. The Stairclimb serves as a fundraiser leading up to Rohan and Elka's main event: Elka, at just 11 years old, will attempt to become one of the youngest Australians to summit Mt Kilimanjaro. If you would like to support their cause and contribute to the fundraising efforts, please consider making a donation using the following link: https://lnkd.in/gfvt2Kf5 Salesforce

The Perinatal and Mental Health Symposium took place on 3rd May, focusing on ‘Transforming perspectives: Perinatal and Infant Mental Health for a diverse and inclusive world’, a partnership between the Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS) Statewide Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Program (SPIMHP), Women and Infant Research Foundation (WIRF) and Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA). Miracle Babies Foundation was fortunate to attend the Perinatal and Mental Health Symposium as an advocate for families with a premature or sick newborn.   With families of premature and sick babies facing a number of challenges throughout their baby’s hospital stay and potentially for years after discharge, establishment of support systems and access to ongoing support, education and resources that assist in helping these families cope with their experience and thrive is critical.   It was an insightful day that covered a number of opportunities to continue to improve the wellbeing of the entire family unit for those facing unexpected and sometimes ongoing trauma and physical or mental health challenges. Many new connections were made and Miracle Babies was able to share the work that we do to contribute to achieving better, healthier outcomes for these families.

Join our Mission for Miracles this Miracle Month of May! ✨ Mission for Miracles is our Regular Giving Program that provides ongoing support to premature and sick newborns and their families. Having a baby born prematurely or sick can be life-changing, it affects the entire family. Parents who have had a premature or sick newborn are at increased risk of developing post-natal depression and many babies can face lifelong challenges including disabilities, developmental delays and behavioural challenges. Connecting with others who have also been through a similar experience helps these families cope with the emotional and challenging journey. Today, only around 2 in 5 families impacted have access to this vital support. With no regular government funding for our programs, we need your help. Become part of the Mission for miracles in honour of Miracle Month of May. By donating weekly, fortnightly or monthly, you can make a big difference to families for years to come. Click here to read more information and to join today: https://lnkd.in/gAg-aVr

Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup is free play and support groups for families who have experienced the birth of a premature or sick newborn. We welcome all NICU and Special Care Nursery families. Hear what parents have to say about our NurtureGroups. Feedback assists us in improving and increasing support for families with sick or premature babies. Feedback can be given here: https://lnkd.in/gj6Peb_5

Miracle Babies Foundation is looking forward to the Salesforce Tower Stairclimb on the 24th of May! Thank you, Rohan Bentley and the Salesforce team for all your support. Donate today to show your support: https://lnkd.in/gfvt2Kf5

This year our 24-Hour Quadruple Giving Day will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2024. That's only 2 weeks away! Save the date! For 24 hours only, every $1 donated becomes $4! Having a baby born premature or sick can be life-changing, and it affects the entire family unit. Quadruple Giving Day is one of our largest fundraising events for the year, and your support will make a huge impact. Donations made on Quadruple Giving Day will help to expand the reach of our peer services and vital resources for the remainder of the year, supporting more of the 48,000 families with a premature or sick newborn. Funds raised will support families through our NurtureProgram® services and resources. This year you can 'Create your own Team' on Quadruple Giving Day, encouraging workplaces and family and friends to create their team and each can donate an amount that will double and make a real difference. You can create your own team or make a pre-pledge today by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/gBYJ5jx