Miracle Babies Foundation

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

New content for Adulthood added to our Nurture E Information Hub. We constantly adding to our Nurture E Information Hub to ensure parents feel confident and empowered. This is our continued commitment to miracle families to fulfil our mission and continue to strive for ‘better, healthier outcomes for newborns and their families challenged by prematurity and sickness.' Last week we added information located in the Adulthood area of our Nurture E. Here is a piece of information on Anxiety and Depression located in our Nurture E Information Hub. Mothers of preterm young adults reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to mothers of term-born young adults. This study emphasized the importance of ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate the challenges of raising a child born premature into adulthood. Parenting doesn't end when children reach adulthood. The journey continues with its unique set of challenges and emotional complexities. Every parent worries about their child as they move into adulthood. As parents transition into supporting their adult children, they may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression stemming from their child's early medical history. Engaging in mindfulness practices, seeking professional support through therapy or counselling, and connecting with peer support networks can help parents manage anxiety symptoms and regain a sense of control. A healthy lifestyle can also help you to manage your feelings. - Make sure you exercise regularly. Even a 10-minute short walk can help to improve how you feel. If you have not exercised in a long time, check with your doctor for what is safe. - Cut down on caffeine, which can increase anxiety and alter sleep patterns in some people. Avoid tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks and chocolate, especially after 6pm. - Make healthy eating choices. - Get enough sleep. If you would read the full information available, please click here: https://lnkd.in/gFP4fAeA

The team at Salesforce are gearing up to take on the Salesforce Stairclimb. The Stairclimb takes place in the Sydney office, which is the tallest building in Sydney, standing an impressive 53 stories tall. The Salesforce Tower at 180 George Street is the tallest office building in Sydney at 263m tall which is the length of almost two Sydney Harbour Bridges stacked on top of each other.   Salesforce pioneered the Pledge 1% model where they donate 1% time, 1% product, and 1% profit to improve the world. As part of the Miracle Month of May, the Stairclimb will see around 100 of the Salesforce employees and clients take on 53 flights of stairs on Friday 24th May to raise vital funds for Miracle Babies Foundation, which will help to increase the support we are able to provide families who are challenged by prematurity or sickness. To get behind their event and support fundraising efforts, you can make a donation here: https://lnkd.in/gfvt2Kf5

It's Miracle Month of May! Miracle Month of May is a time to highlight the work of Miracle Babies Foundation and its vital support for premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them. As well as share the stories of Australia's miracles. This year you can make a real difference during Miracle Month of May. Keep reading to find out what is happening! Quadruple Giving Day is on Tuesday 21 May 2023, where all donations made will be Quadrupled for 24 HOURS ONLY! If you've ever wanted to donate to Miracle Babies and help support premature and sick newborns, this is the time to do it. Our WA High Tea is in May! come along and enjoy a delicious High Tea while we hear from families who have leaned on Miracle Babies for support during some of their toughest times. Click here to purchase your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/gsybuZV2 'Move' for Miracles this May in honour of premature and sick newborns. Join your local run happening in your city. Select Miracle Babies Foundation as your chosen charity or create a fundraising page on our website. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gY5gnbtM Kangaroo Care Awareness Day is a national day of recognition, held on 15 May each year, which also marks the start of our annual Kangaroo-a-thon. The Kangaroo-a-thon encourages NICU and SCN hospital units to participate in a challenge to increase Kangaroo cuddles and promote skin-to-skin contact between babies and families. Click here to find out more and register: https://lnkd.in/gMAEaJzM Let's all work together and help raise awareness and much-needed funds to support more premature and sick newborns and their families this May. To find out more click here to access our blog: https://lnkd.in/gDGThFsw Please also remember that if you need any support, please contact our 24hr family support helpline on 1300 622 243 (1300MBABIES).

We are excited to announce that our newest NurtureGroup is opening in Darwin, NT! Commencing 2nd 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 When: Thursdays (fortnightly), 9.30am – 11.30am Where: C3 Church Malak 62 Patterson Street Malak NT 0812 Cost: Attendance for all sessions is free. If you would like to attend Darwin NurtureGroup, please click here to find out more information and to register: https://lnkd.in/gUVEXSBr