‘Neonatal Secret Santa’ For Families under Stress

‘Neonatal Secret Santa’ For Families under Stress

The Neonatal Trust is providing a special package to the families with a baby in a neonatal unit on Christmas Day.

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.

Neil O’Styke, Executive Director of The Neonatal Trust said “We are going to provide a Christmas package to each and every family with a baby in a neonatal unit to brighten their day”

“Through buying in bulk, and also with the generous support of some Partner organisations, we are going to provide a special pack to all neonatal families on Christmas Day 2017.”

“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 The Neonatal Trust to make this initiative happen”.

“The packages are all sorted and on their way to every neonatal unit across New Zealand, thanks to kind support from Mainfreight”

Neonatal Secret Santa is another example of how The Neonatal Trust supports families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey. Details can be seen here: www.neonataltrust.org.nz/support

Key statistics:

• There are 350+ 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.

• 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:

* Charlotte, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 650grams - 132 days before going home for the first time.

* Samuel, born 23 weeks 3 days, weighing 668 grams - 116 days before going home for the first time.

* Elias, born 24 weeks 5 days, weighing 890 grams (2lb) - 123 days before going home for the first time.

ENDS

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