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Premature Babies Foundation
In Australia, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely, with almost half of these babies needing life support in a neonatal intensive care unit. Little premature babies are often struggling on life support systems. The equipment is expensive and technology can help these babies. The Foundation’s aim is to fundraise to help these special little babies and increase their chances of survival.The Premature Babies Foundation creates awareness, raises funds for vital medical equipment and trains health professionals and the general public in peer support for families who have a prematurely born baby. The Premature Babies Foundation is a non government funded totally volunteer run not for profit charity.
A baby born before 37 weeks gestation is called premature or preterm. The closer the baby is to full term, the greater the chances of surviving. Sadly, less than half of the babies born between 23 and 25 weeks survive. But with the right medical equipment provided by the Premature Babies Foundation, we can help save babies lives.
Millie & Sophie: A Story of Survival
Despite only a 40% chance of survival for any baby at 24 weeks, and even less for twin’s, Sophie & Millie were born at 24 weeks, weighing 530g & 540g. Having coped through a number of miscarriages and a 33 week stillbirth, these are Rose & Jim’s miracle babies.Born in December 1998, the girls, along with much medical equipment for Sophie, went home in May 1999. And despite the odds at the age of 7 the girls were told they are completely healthy and at the same development level of other children their age.
| Sarah You were born too early your time had not come To join your big brother, dad and mum When I saw my little girl and watched you struggle to breathe The doctor’s grim look at your tiny size was hard to believe I held you in my arms for such a short time I only ever had one daughter and you were mine Your daddy and I would never see you grow Freckles on your face your hair in a bow A teenager shopping and borrowing my clothes A young woman in make up, a blossoming rose Asking my advice on the man in your life Walking down the aisle, becoming a wife You were born perfect in every way But your tiny lungs could not help you to stay You died before you had a chance to see What life was about with dad and me My tears of sadness are still here today The pain of you leaving never goes away The Premature Babies Foundation helps us to remember you too With research and counselling there is so much to do For all the babies who never had a chance to live The Foundation volunteers have so much to give The Foundation helped my family and friends Because they understand a mother’s loss never ends Written in remembrance of baby. Sarah Wilson NSW. |
My Little Man Close your eyes and rest your soul You’ll always be part of me. While you were growing you were close to my heart, That’s where you’ll always be. So sleep my baby, Sleep peacefully, Though the toil of life goes on, I couldn’t see you smile, Or touch your hand, I love you and know that’s not wrong. Each day is a day, I spend without you. One more day without you little man. But the bud it dropped, before it was ready Life ended before it began, The life of my little man. There’s a place on a tree, Where a bud has fallen down, It can’t be filled by the blossoms around. The blossoms are lovely, Oh, how I love them. But, I still love and remember The one that fell down. a song by Martin Stride |