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If you wish to submit your premature babies birth announcement please go to our submission form or visit our birth announcements

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Thank you for your support!

Our Green for Prems day is not only a day to celebrate and remember all the children born too soon but also a great way to unite everyone young and old who have been touched by prematurity and a chance to give back to the amazing community who touch us along the way by raising funds specific to our cause.

The National Premmie Foundation consists of five of Australia’s leading premmie support groups. The Foundation was formed in 2007 as a national organisation that will unify, and act as a guiding body for existing prem support groups, help to create new ones, help to improve the treatments and outcomes available for premature infants, and represent the interests of these infants and their families in terms of health policies, funding and standards of care.

The member groups that make up the Foundation include Australia’s longest running premmie support group Preterm Infant’s Parents Association (PIPA) as well as Lifes Little Treasures Foundation, Loddon Mallee Kids, L’il Aussie Prems & Yasminah’s Gift of Hope. Working together in unity these groups have a combined total of 50 years experience in supporting families of premature and sick infants. We are a proud member group of this wonderful organisation.

When you fundraise for the National Premmie Foundation, you are supporting not only the Foundation but 5 other amazing groups who directly support families who have experienced the hospital NICU/SCN journey.

How to fundraise & donate to the Foundation

Online:
You can fundraise for the Foundation online with Everyday Hero in support of Wear Green For Premmies day (link & details are coming soon)

Credit Card Donations
You can donate your fundraising moneys directly to the Foundation via their website. Just click on the purple balloon to pay via credit card through Paypal.

Bank Deposit
You can also donate your fundraising moneys directly to the Foundation via bank deposit. Please email Eileen Cooke, Treasurer – eileencooke@optusnet.com.au for the bank account details.

Visit www.prembaby.org.au

If L’il Aussie Prems supported you through your journey and you would like to make a donation directly to us please support us HERE.

Your support helps us to continue offering services to the 1,000′s of families who utilise our website daily. If you would like us to direct your donation towards something specific ie: webhosting for 1 month or postage stamps let us know!

100% of all donations go towards supporting the L’il Aussie Prems website.

We are very grateful for your continued support.

Click on the image to be directed to the donations page.

Donations are not tax deductible

In 2011, we saw almost 20,000 people join us via our Facebook event by wearing something green. Many photos were posted of families & friends wearing a sea of green & 1000′s of supporters wearing our green premmie wrist bands which are available via our website. With the amazing support from all of you in 2011, over $2,300 was donated to five charities. We will be donating to further charities again in 2012.

Wednesday 4th of April 2012 is a day to celebrate all the precious children born early. You do not have to “attend” an event on the day all we ask is that you “wear” something green whether it is to work, school etc.. Examples are a green hat, scarf, pants, t-shirt, wrist band, lanyard, nail polish or even just a scrunchy.

We love to give back to the community and each year community groups &/or charities are chosen by our wonderful members as we donate proceeds from our wrist band sales from our event to help support the amazing work that they do supporting others.

The 2012 recipient’s are listed below;

• Scope (for people with a disability) - www.scopevic.org.au
• Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank – www.mercyhealthbreastmilkbank.com.au
• King Edward Memorial Hospital PREM Bank – www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au
• Mother’s Milk Bank – RBWH – www.rbwhfoundation.com.au
• Heartkids – www.heartkids.org.au

If you wish to help support the wonderful groups listed, please visit our online shop & purchase a band in support of our Wear Green for Premmies event on Wednesday 4th April 2012.

Please join our event and help spread the word to your family & friends.

We look forward to celebrating with all our wonderful LAP families, friends & supporters.

Photos from our 2011 event

Premmie events, morning teas & celebrations take place throughout the month of November in Australia. Please visit the National Premmie Foundation’s website for further details www.prembaby.org.au. We are a proud member group of the Foundation.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors & supporters.

Pumpkin Patch Australia
Bellabee Candles
Emotive Images
Earlybirds
Your Cheeky Monkey
Sewing Mummy
Snap Dragon Boutique
Little Tales Photography

He spent 88 days in hospital and is now 6 years old.

He was born early due to preterm labor, dilation and seperation of the placenta from mum. If he was not born that day, he would have passed away inside the womb.

The selection of baby gifts found at Florist Works can cater for even the fussiest of buyers. We have many great and exciting baby gifts for new born baby girl and baby boys. Our most popular range of baby gifts are the Gift Sets packaged in decorative boxes, followed by the Nappy Cakes and Baby Bouquets. All our baby gifts are carefully packaged using decorative gift boxes, ribbon and raffia.

Many of the gift sets can be delivered same day to Melbourne and we also provide a delivery service Australia wide. If you are living abroad and wish to send a friend, relative or work colleague a gift to celebrate the birth of a newborn, then look no further that the great selection of baby gifts online at Florist Works.

Sending baby gifts to Hospitals

There are times when you may have family living abroad or simply cannot attend the birth of a newborn yourself. In cases like this you have many options available. You can use the Florist Works selection of baby gifts online and send a baby gift to the hospital. Or alternatively, you can choose to send the product to the home, to the work address, or you can even send the baby gift to yourself if you have plans to visit them personally. Any option is suitable and remember that it’s the gift itself that you are sending that’s important not necessarily how quickly it arrives.

Some of the major hospitals we deliver to:

• Mercy Private Hospital
• Freemasons Hospital
• ST Vincent’s Private Hospital
• Royal Womens Hospital

Unique Selection of Baby Gifts

You’ll find a great selection of baby gifts at Florist Works through browsing one of our many categories. The baby gifts can be made in blue tones, pink tones or even neutral tones for those who do not know the gender of the baby. There are also baby gifts available for twins, premature babies and triplets. Gift sets for twins can be made in many colour combinations to cater for any gender. At Florist Works you will find a unique selection of baby gifts that will be different, stylish and warmly welcomed.

Flowers for New Born Baby Boys and Baby Girls

Florist Works has a selective range of baby flowers suitable for baby boys and girls. Flowers for babies can include additions such as balloons and teddy bears.

Flowers delivered to hospital maternity wards make a great gift idea to mums and dads of new born babies. Fresh flowers help brighten up sterile hospital rooms with their bright colours and beautiful scents.

Florist Works also has an entensive range of flowers for all occasions including

• Anniversary Flowers
• Birthday Flowers
• Baby Flowers
• Baby Gift Baskets
• Congratulations Flowers
• Romantic Flowers
• Just Because Flowers
• Sympathy Flowers
• and Gift Baskets

Flowers Delivered to all Hospitals

Florist Works can have flowers delivered to all major hospitals throughout Australia. Please keep in mind, when sending flowers to a hospital, flowers cannot be delivered to patients in the Intensive Care Unit. In this event, you may consider sending flowers to their home address or else sending a gift basket or hamper.

Same Day Flower Delivery

Florist Works offers same day flower delivery for orders placed before 2pm local time Monday to Friday. Same day flower delivery is available on Saturday for orders placed before 10am local time.

Flowers Delivered to Australia

Florist Works, through its online florist shop, can deliver flowers to all states in Australia. Flowers can be delivered to all suburbs in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin.

Our forum is a supportive and relaxed community for families who have been touched by prematurity reaching parents from not only Australia but also worldwide. We have many areas not only specific to premature babies but also toddlers, school aged & children with special needs. The forum boasts over 340,000 post on a range of topics and over 1,900 registered users. You can be sure to find many answers to questions you have about the prem journey, if not we encourage you to join as there are many families who would like to offer you a sympathetic shoulder.

We look forward to you sharing your prems journey with us.

Join Now

We are pleased to provide a forum for sharing, and remind everyone that the viewpoints, opinions and actions expressed here are those of the individuals themselves, and may not reflect L’il Aussie Prems policies or positions. Information on this site does not take the place of guidance from your health care provider. Always verify information with your health care provider before taking action.

Below is a list of practical tips and information collected from families who have been on the premature birth journey themselves.

• Put together an expressing kit to take with you wherever you go. Include sterile bottles/containers/jars, shields, valves and tubing for pump, baby’s hospital labels and a pen. This can all be kept in a cooler/insulated bag, ready for use. Don’t forget to take your electric or hand pump with you if you are going to need it.

• Ask the nurses to take foot and hand prints if baby is stable enough to do so. When baby is stable enough, it is a great idea to have hand and foot casts/impressions made. You will be surprised at how fast they will grow!

• Start a journal/diary about your baby’s NICU/SCN journey. You can include information daily about baby’s condition, medications, weight, and other circumstances and events such as coming off a ventilator, graduating to a hot cot, operations needed, first bath, first breastfeed or suck feed, etc.

• Talk to other parents in NICU/SCN. You will probably be surprised at how many parents want to share their experiences and feelings with others who are going through the same thing. You can build friendships and support each other.

• A frozen meal for lunch or dinner makes a good ice pack for transporting EBM to the hospital.

• Dress your little one in their own clothes if the unit allows it. This may not be possible until baby is stable enough and provided clothing doesn’t interfere with leads or lines.

• Decorate baby’s incubator if the unit permits it.

• Take video footage as well as photos

• Invest in a good hand cream to combat dry, cracked hands.

• Do whatever you need to to feel OK and if that means calling up the hospital at all hours, so you can sleep a little better, do it. You might be up expressing anyway!

• Celebrate every step, every milestone, with photos, cards to baby, video footage, even a cake.

• Don’t be afraid to do your little one’s cares. The nurses will help you and show you how.

• Keep asking for kangaroo cuddles if your baby is stable.

• Have hand sanitiser in your purse, for all the times you touch elevator buttons, eftpos machines, hand rails etc in the hospital. You need to take every measure to not catch a cold, because it is upsetting to be at home and not be able to visit your child.

• If you are expressing, the expressing room is a great place to meet other mum’s. Even if you are shy, it’s really worth it, and before long you won’t even realise what you are doing.

• Take care of yourself, eat lots of healthy snacks, drink lots of water.

• Read stories to your baby, they know your voice.

• Sing to baby. They know your voice and will be soothed an reassured by it.

• If you don’t understand what a Doctor has told you, ask them again, and again, and again until you understand, and then the next day and the next day when you’ve forgotten.

• Take your own coffee cup and cutlery to use for lunch

• Educate yourself, read books on Premmies, surf the internet

• Ask to keep old leads, arm bands, phototherapy masks, etc.

• Most importantly, don’t blame yourself, let go of the guilt

Photography tips & handy hints

• Light/flash reflects of the Perspex/plastic of the incubator. Have the side or top open if possible.

• Many units have a digital camera. Ask nurses to take photos of any significant or special moments that happen while you’re not there.

• You can put mum or dads wedding band on baby’s arm as a size comparison or use something else next to baby to show how small they are. A tennis ball is good for comparison or lay “normal” newborn baby clothes next to baby and photograph.

• Take photos while doing cares.

• If baby’s bedding needs changing, ask if you can put your hands in the incubator and hold baby up in your 2 hands while the sheets/blankets are changed – this makes as beautiful photo.

(Kindly supplied by the National Premmie Foundation)

Apnoea
A short period of time when the baby does not take a breath.

Aspiration
The drawing in of foreign matter or other material in the upper respiratory tract into the lungs. Aspiration also refers to a medical procedure in which fluids are sucked out of the lungs, nose, or mouth using a suction device.

Bagging
Helping the baby to breathe by connecting a special rubber bag either to a mask over the mouth or to a tube in the trachea and lung.

Bilirubin
A chemical created by the breakdown of the red blood cells. A large amount of this bilirubin in the body causes yellow coloring of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Nearly all babies have some jaundice, including healthy full-term babies.

Bilirubin lights (bili lights)
Fluorescent lights that reduce jaundice; help break down the bilirubin in the skin. Baby is undressed to expose as much skin surface as possible; the baby’s eyes are covered with patches or a mask. Also called phototherapy.

Blood gas
A test using a small amount of blood to measure levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Bradycardia
A slower than normal heartbeat; often occurs with apnoea.

Catheter
A tube which puts fluids into the body or drains fluids out.

Chest tube
A tube inserted through the chest wall; used to suction air and/or fluids from the chest.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A continuous amount of air, sometimes with added oxygen, is delivered through tubes in the babies nose to keep the airways of the lungs open as baby breathes.

Culture
Taking a sample of blood or body fluids to test for germs which may cause an infection.

Cyanosis
A bluish coloring of the skin and lips caused by a low level of oxygen in the blood.

Edema
The collection of extra fluid in body tissues, causing swelling or puffiness of skin.

Electrode
A sensor which sends heartbeat and breathing information to the monitor. They can be placed on the chest, arms, or legs. Also called leads.

Electrolytes
Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in the blood. Correct levels of these chemicals must be present so that the body organs can function properly.

Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
A plastic tube inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help breathing; usually connected to a breathing machine (ventilator).

Extubation
The process of removing an endotracheal tube.

Nasogastric tube (NG tube)
A tube inserted through the nose or mouth (orogastric or OG) and into the stomach. The tube delivers nutrients and medications, and removes undigested food and fluids from the stomach.

Gavage feeding
Feeding a baby through a gastric tube inserted into the stomach.

Gestational age
The length of time from conception to birth (how long the baby stays in the womb). Full-term gestation is between 38 and 42 weeks.

High frequency ventilation (HFV)
A type of ventilator which gives very small breathes at a very fast rate; the baby’s chest will actually vibrate. HFV works differently from “conventional” ventilation to treat specific breathing or lung problems.

Hyaline membrane disease (HMD)
A breathing problem that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to collapse; usually due to lung immaturity and lack of a natural lung chemical (surfactant). Also called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Hydrocephalus
Excess spinal fluid causing enlargement of the ventricles in the brain.

Hypoxia
A low level of oxygen in the body tissue. If very low, tissue damage can occur.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
Bleeding within the brain’s ventricles (spaces in the brain which contain spinal fluid). Also called intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in or around the brain).

Intravenous line (IV)
A hollow needle or plastic tube inserted into a vein; used to give fluids, blood, and or medications.

Intubation
Placing a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe).

Jaundice
The yellow discoloration of a baby’s skin and eyes caused by too much bilirubin in the blood.

Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-skin contact where baby is positioned on mum or dad’s bare chest to promote bonding and healing.

Meconium
The first bowel movement/stool passed by a newborn, usually dark green and sticky.

Meconium aspiration syndrome
A type of pneumonia caused by stool being passed by the baby while still in the womb. The stool can be inhaled into the baby’s lungs and can partially or completely block the baby’s air passage. This makes it difficult for the baby to breathe.

Nasal Canula
A small plastic tube placed under the nose to provide oxygen.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
A bowel condition caused by lack of blood supply. A section of the bowel may become severely inflamed
or infected.

Neonate
A newborn infant, less than 30 days old.

Neonatologist
A physician who specializes in the care of critically ill newborn infants.

Oscillator
A type of high frequency ventilator.

Oxygen Saturation
The level of oxygen in a baby’s blood. Oxygen level is measured by a small probe on the baby’s hand or foot, also by blood samples. This level tells at-a-glance how well oxygen is being carried through the body.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
A small vessel (ductus) between the major arteries of the heart and the lungs. Before birth, this vessel is open and allows blood to bypass the lungs (not yet in use). When this opening fails to close after birth, it can cause problems with oxygen rich blood getting to the body.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
A flexible, thin IV tube put into a vein in the arm, foot, or leg and then routed up into, or near, the heart.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of Newborns (PPHN)
A serious condition that causes the baby to return to its prebirth route of blood circulation. The baby’s blood is only partially oxygenated through the lungs. This results in very low oxygen levels, plus a higher blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Treatment includes, oxygen, ventilator therapy, medications and/or ECMO. Also called persistent fetal circulation (PFC).

Phototherapy
See bilirubin lights.

Pneumothorax (pneumo)
Air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity, creating a pocket of air in the wrong place. This pocket of air then presses on the lungs or heart. A chest tube or catheter can be inserted to remove the pocket of air, which lets the lungs re-expand.

Pulse oximeter
An electronic monitor that detects oxygen saturation in the blood using a light sensor probe.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
See hyaline membrane.

Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP)
An eye disorder, involving the retina that can occur in premature infants.

Room air
The ordinary air we breathe which contains 21% oxygen. Oxygen therapy can deliver from 22 – 100% oxygen.

Sepsis
An infection caused by bacteria.

Spinal tap
The removal of a small amount of fluid from the spinal canal. The fluid is then analyzed for infection, bleeding, and other disorders.

Surfactant
A substance in the lungs that helps keep the tiny air sacs from collapsing and sticking together. A lack of this substance contributes to Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
A condition when a baby breathes with quick, shallow breathes (usually over 80 breaths per minute). It is often caused by fluid in the lungs and will improve as this fluid is absorbed. Some babies need oxygen as this resolves. TTN is often associated with cesarean delivery.

Umbilical Catheter, Arterial or Venous (UAC, UVC)
A tube inserted through the belly button (umbilical cord) into the arterial or venous blood vessels. Either tube is used to give the baby fluids and to draw blood samples. The UAC is used to monitor the baby’s blood pressure. If the baby requires oxygen therapy, the UAC will be used to draw blood gases and blood samples.

Ventilator
A machine which fills the baby’s lungs with air and helps the baby breathe. Also called a respirator.

Ventricles of the brain
Spaces in the brain that contain spinal fluid to bathe and cushion the brain.

NICU Equipment

Cardio respiratory Monitor
This measures a babies breathing and heart rate. 3 self adhesive disks with leads attached are placed on baby’s chest to read babies respiratory and heart rate. These readings can be viewed on a screen or monitor and if either measurement read above or below an acceptable limit, an alarm sounds to alert medical staff.

CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
A continuous amount of air, sometimes with added oxygen, is delivered through tubes in the baby’s nose to keep the airways of the lungs open as baby breathes.

Incubator/Humidicrib/Isolette
This is a special bed where your baby may be kept. Premature babies lack the ability to maintain their body temperature so keeping them in this special enclosed bed keeps them warm until they gain some fat and the ability to hold their own body temperature.

Intravenous Fluid, Lines and Pump
Your baby may require intravenous medication, fluid or feeding. In this case lines are inserted into a vein or artery in baby’s leg, arm, scalp or what remains of the umbilical cord. A special pump regulates the amount of medication or fluid your baby receives.

Phototherapy Lights
Special lights are used to help break down biliruben. Baby will usually be naked, except for a nappy, to maximize the amount of skin exposed to the light. They will also wear a special mask to protect their eyes.

Pulse Oximetre
A probe is taped, usually to baby’s foot, which measures the amount of oxygen in his/her blood. This probe is regularly moved from foot to foot to prevent false readings and ensure no damage is done to the skin.

Ventilator
This is a machine that helps your baby breathe. Oxygen is supplied through a tube, in baby’s nose or mouth that leads into the windpipe.

(Kindly supplied by the National Premmie Foundation)

Ranges available include:

• Babyjo Bamboo Blankets
• Aden +Anais Organic Muslin Wraps
• Dandelion Organic Cotton Receiving Blankets
• Shinwa Organic Bamboo Muslin Wraps
• The Natural Kids Collection Organic Bamboo Stretch Swaddles and Sleeping Bags
• Handmade Bunny Rugs

All in-stock and available online at www.yourcheekymonkey.com.au

Your Cheeky Monkey is a proud sponsor of L’il Aussie Prems

]]> http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/organic-bamboo-wraps-and-blankets/feed/ 0 http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/latest-premmie-newsletter-october-2011/ http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/latest-premmie-newsletter-october-2011/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:50:33 +0000 trikiron http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/?p=7230 We are currently having server loading issues with our website. This is being reviewed and fixed by our websites hosting company.

To view our latest newsletter please click on the image below.

We apologies for the inconvenience and are hopeful that our website will be fixed soon.

]]> http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/latest-premmie-newsletter-october-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/walk-for-prems-2011/ http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/walk-for-prems-2011/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:46:10 +0000 trikiron http://www.lilaussieprems.com.au/?p=7154 November is global prematurity awareness month & Lifes Little Treasures Foundation’s “Walk for Prems” will be the opening event for the Australian observance of global prematurity awareness month which culminates for National Premmie Day on the 17th November 2011.

All locations have been choosen as they have pram friendly tracks. In Melbourne, once you cross the finish line, pull out the picnic rug, recover with a tasty sausage and let the kids enjoy great entertainment and music. There will be market stalls to explore, cool down massages and a raffle with great prizes.

In Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth come and meet other families of premature/sick babies, enjoy going for a social walk and then enjoy a BYO picnic.

The Life’s Little Treasures Foundation provides information and support to families of children born premature or sick. Their services can be found throughout hospitals in Australia as well as supporting families within the community once they come home.

Registrations are now open.

You must enter by Thursday 13th October to guarantee a t-shirt/bandana.

The major walk/fun run will be held at Albert Park Lake in Melbourne where participants can take part in a timed 10km run, 5km run or 5km walk. This will be followed by a wide range of entertainment including music, jumping castle, face-painting and much more.

Visit www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au

L’il Aussie Prems is a proud supporter of the Walk for Prems event and an online support partner of the Lifes Little Treasures Foundation since 2007.

Click here to submit your prems footprint.

Click here to submit your angel’s footprint.

(twins footprints are left & right prints together)

Go to Page 1

Go to Page 1

We have been working together for the past 12 months to create these journals for parents to record their babies journey whilst they are on the rollercoaster ride of birth prematurely. Our journals are specifically designed to be placed inside the pocket of your child’s record book given to you at the hospital.

Included in the Premmie Gift Of Hope Journal is;

• 48 page full clour hard cover journal
• Helpful articles relating to premature birth
• Special page to record details of your child’s birth
• Pages for hand and foot prints
• Pages to add photos taken along your journey

Our Premmie Gift Of Hope Journals are donated free to families so we kindly ask that you help us by sponsoring a ‘Premmie Gift Of Hope’ for $4 in honour of a child you know who was born prematurely whether it was your own child, grandchild, niece, nephew or even just a friend. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible and you are welcome to sponsor as many journals as you wish.

We are currently fundraising to print 1,500 Journals in celebration of World Prematurity Day on the 17th November 2011. When you sponsor a Journal the child’s name & gestation will be written on the back of each journal you sponsor and given to the families currently in the NICU/SCN throughout Australia.

Help us to give these families hope, light, love and happiness whilst they follow the same path that many of us have personally experienced.

We hope that our Gift will become a treasured keepsake of the precious time their child spent in hospital. The families who receive the journals will be so touched knowing that their journal has been sponsored by amazing premmies who have been on the same journey and the special premmie angels who fought so hard.

Because of an Irritable Uterus condition, my Braxton Hicks contractions were already very frequent (more than 4 times per hour) since 20 weeks. Whatever I did, my abdomen would just tense up for no reason even when just sitting or lying down. An irritable uterus has no known cause and is a risk factor for premature birth. I’ve also been carrying low this entire pregnancy, and baby boy turned head down at 30 weeks and kept moving lower and lower from then on.

At 33 weeks I felt pain with the contractions in the morning that wouldn’t stop so we went to the hospital to check it out. All tests came out clear and obstetrician said I at least wouldn’t give birth prematurely within the next 2 weeks, but that they’d monitor me more closely. I just prayed that I’d make it to 37 weeks at the very least.

Then 2 weeks later at 35 weeks (a sunday morning) I woke up early, felt ready for a morning stroll, until I noticed bright red blood after going to the bathroom. Went straight to the hospital, had a lot of tests done that confirmed I was in labor – baby boy was engaged in the pelvis, completely effaced cervix, my membranes had already ruptured since there was less fluid in the amniotic sac shown on ultrasound, though it must’ve trickled away because I never felt any gush, I kept getting more bloody show, frequent stronger contractions, and by noon I was 3cm dilated.

Labour was a tough one as I’ve always wanted a natural birth without any pain medication. I handled the contractions quite well, until I was in transition (9-10 cm dilated) where it got extremely painful and exhausting, but I kept going and refused any pain relief. At that time our baby’s heart rate was dropping and wouldn’t go back up, so I had to have an episiotomy and they ended up delivering him with forceps. They had to give him some oxygen for 30 seconds or so, but then he was breathing fine on his own. He weighed 2.505kg, 46 cm long, Apgar scores 9/9. I was very surprised, and relieved, of his weight and size as I never thought he’d weigh that much (I had a smaller than average bump throughout the whole pregnancy).

Loki was admitted. to the special care nursery shortly afterwards, and stayed there for 2 weeks. He was doing well at the hospital, stayed in the incubator for a few days, showed minor issues like jaundice and feeding difficulties. His feeding tube was removed after a week and a half when he had more energy to suckle enough from bottle/breast. He’s now 2 weeks old and recently brought home, but still has some issues with bottle and breast feeding since he tends to get a lot of wind and reflux afterwards. Otherwise he is doing great.

Even though he’s a late premmie, it’s definitely still a tough experience and as parents we’re always worried that something will happen to him since all premature babies tend to have higher health problem risks. I’m just so glad and relieved that he wasn’t born any earlier than 35 weeks since that would’ve probably involved more issues. We now hope he will grow up happy and healthy in the future!

Go back to read further birth stories

At 14 weeks i began to have some spotting, and after losing a baby years ago at 16 weeks I feared the worst and rushed to our nearest hospital in Ferntree Gully Victoria, expecting to be told I was losing my baby. It felt like deja vu however after having an ultrasound done it was shown that everything was fine and I was sent home. The spotting soon turned to a heavy bleed and I thought for sure I was going to lose him, I went back to the hospital and again was sent home as everything appeared to be normal and the baby was fine. When the bleeding continued we decided that a second opinion was in order so we went to the next closest hospital in Box Hill where they did a detailed scan and found a massive sub-chorionic haematoma (blood clot) in between the placenta and the uterine wall. It was ripping the placenta away and this is what was causing the bleeding. I was admitted and put in a delivery suite, and pretty much told to wait to lose my baby. It never happened. The bleeding continued. And the baby thrived despite this!

I was sent home after a week, and then spent the next 5 weeks in and out of Ferntree Gully hospital due to the bleeding and pain from my uterus contracting as it was being irritated by the bleeding. When at home I was on bed rest which was close to impossible with 5 children in our full time care (we also have Aaron’s 2 sons and daughter as well as my 2 daughters). Eventually when I had such a large bleed I required a blood transfusion so I was admitted to stay until I either lost the baby, or gave birth if we made it far enough.

I was put in the maternity ward with crying babies, this was emotional and stressful but I knew hospital was the best place for me and my baby boy. At 19 weeks when I had the massive bleed, it went un-noticed that my waters had broken and at my 20 week scan he only had a very minimal amount of amniotic fluid in there. It never resealed and he was stuck in what I referred to as the ‘deflated balloon!’ til the day he was born! It was expected that with no fluid to mature his lungs that he would be in major trouble once he was born, and that with restricted space to move his limbs would be stiff and need physio, or even perhaps be deformed. The count down began to get him to a safe time to be born, which is generally 24 weeks, then they would transfer me to a tertiary hospital with a neo natal intensive care unit (NICU) where he would have the best chance of surviving when born.

At 23 weeks and 1 day gestation I had another massive bleed and strong contractions so I was rushed in an ambulance to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. I was given 2 rounds of steroids to help mature the baby’s lungs and put in a delivery suite to wait. Nothing happened. So I was put in the maternity ward again, where each day felt like a huge victory and with the support of my amazing family and close friends as well as hundreds of friends, and even strangers over Facebook I kept positive. I had always said I KNEW my baby would make it, from day one my faith in him has never wavered. He was conceived 2 days after my dear Grandfather passed away, we always knew he would be a boy and we knew he would fight for life just as my Grandad did for so many years!

Days turned into weeks and at 26 weeks pregnant I felt this overwhelming instinct that he needed to be out here sooner rather then later. The next morning I woke up with what I thought was wind pains, but I was in labour. After 13 hours of a hard and painful labour the baby’s heart rate dropped so low that I had to be rushed in for an emergency cesarean where my teeny little man Bailey Arthur (Arthur after my Grandad) was born weighing a measly 702 grams and 29cm long. The doctors worked on him for a while and then I heard the best thing I had ever heard in my life, he was stable. He was taken to the NICU and I was taken to recovery. I didn’t get to see him until the next morning but when I did I couldn’t control my emotions, the happiness, sadness, confusion, shock, and love I felt were indescribable. His lungs were great, so much better than expected and he was flailing his little limbs around like a mad man. They weren’t stiff or deformed at all. At 2 days old it was discovered that Bailey had a twisted bowel and he was operated on that afternoon. He was a true champion and came through the surgery like nothing happened! They found scar tissue on the bowel which means it happened in utero, they said that if he were in my tummy for much longer it could have been a very bad ending, he could have died.

This was never picked up on the 27 ultrasounds I had in my pregnancy and had nothing to do with the haematoma or the broken waters. It was just a huge set of events which saw him born at the right moment to survive in this world. He is a true miracle. Not just a little one, a HUGE one! What makes it more amazing is the fact that he was born on his Uncle’s Birthday, which was also the due date of a pregnancy I had lost a few months before! This little boy is meant to be here no doubt about that.

He is now 6 weeks old and he has had ups and downs but he fights back through every down and comes out better then before. He is the strongest little man, love, prayers and positive thoughts helped to get him here and they will continue to help him grow. I can not thank my family and friends enough as well as the other mums of prems I have met in this time who have been a massive support but most of all Aaron who has been my rock. It has been a very hard time in our life but we have come out still in tact, stronger than ever with 6 beautiful kids who are loved more than life itself!!

These were the longest weeks of my life and the most stressful. On strict bed rest for 12 weeks I had nothing to do except plan our wedding which is almost complete! Aaron was stuck trying to work full time to pay the bills and juggle 5 kids and a home plus bring them to visit me whenever he could. He did an amazing job and deserves a medal for all of his hard work to keep our family going and get the bills paid.

Life sure is different traveling an hour each way every day to visit Bailey at Monash but I would never change it. He came at the right time and is such a miracle. We can’t wait to bring him home. We are hoping it will be before Christmas. His due date was October 21st (the day before Aaron’s Birthday) but we need to wait until he is big enough to have the surgery to reconnect the stoma he has from the bowel surgery.

His home coming will be a cause for celebration and we plan to throw a massive BBQ for all of our family and friends to say thank you for all of their support. Our journey is far from over. We were warned that having a prem is a roller coaster ride and boy is it ever!! He has too many people from all over the world gunning for him. There is no way he will ever give up and neither will we!! We call him ‘the little critter’ as he was causing trouble from the start and he is proving to be the toughest little critter around and he makes us all so proud every day!

Get to know the other parents in the NICU. I have made very many great friends who helped me through the ups and downs that come with having premature baby. We are still providing support to each other 2 years down the track. Keep a journal of things that happen whilst they are in hospital. It’s ok to cry and let your emotions show the hospital staff are very supportive.

Mum of Jordan and Benjamin born at 24+5 weeks gestation

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Talking to other parents certainly does help also joining forums where you can chat at your leisure from home connects you with other families. Take heaps of pictures and either keep a diary or start a blog!

Mum of Ronan born at 27+3 weeks gestation

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Look after yourself too so you have the energy to look after your baby. Your baby is looking to you for love and strength and those are the most powerful medicines that you can give to them.

Mum of Rachel born at 24+2 weeks gestation

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This is probably one of the most difficult experiences in your life, but try to find balance – easier said than done some days – between the worries and the joys. Don’t miss out on the happiness your amazing baby can bring you right now by stressing too much about the future. Take care of yourself, enjoy every little milestone and find people who will give you the emotional support you need (including other parents of a premature baby) to come to terms with what has happened and start the healing process.

Mum of Talia born at 26+6 weeks gestation

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Don’t feel bad if you can’t be at the hospital ALL the time. You need time for you. It is completely exhausting travelling to and from the hospital every day. Take a long bath or get a takeaway. You need to be strong and healthy to take care of your baby when they come home.

Mum to Jade born at 28+1 weeks gestation

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I would advise parents to take the time for each other and their other children if they have any. Family is so very important and having some ’space’ to be normal is vital.

Mum of Ava born at 25+6 weeks gestation

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Take lots of photos!! Take comparison photo’s with a teddy or something to remind yourself how little they where and how far they have come. Remember to take care of you too… bubs needs you to be healthy.

Mum of Indiana born at 28+1 weeks gestation

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Take LOTS of pictures & keep a diary. Stand up for yourself and your baby, don’t let anyone push you around just because they are looking after your baby. Take people up on their offers to help.

Mum to Brendan born at 30+1 weeks gestation

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Giving birth to a prem baby is such an unexpected journey, ask the NICU nurses about all the amazing miracles they have seen… this gave me so much hope and you are allowed to cry… you can’t be strong the whole time.

Mum to Charlee-Belle born at 31+4 weeks gestation

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It is not easy but it is worth every struggle. You will have ups and downs and many frustrations but the pain will be outweighed by the beautiful boy or girl you have who has struggled so hard to be with you. When times are tough spend a minute looking at your baby or holding your baby and you will know it was worth it. Also get as much support around you as you can. This includes family, friends and through L’il Aussie Prems

Dad to Kai born at 32 weeks gestation

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Knowledge is power. Remember statistics are only that…and they are always changing – because our babies change them. Take loads of photos and still record all your “firsts” like first bath, first nappy change etc….

Mum to Harper & Cleo born at 32 weeks gestation

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Remember it is your baby, advocate for him/her whenever possible & take tonnes of photos, you will never believe they were so small when they are nearly 10 years old!!!

Mum to Eloise born at 34 weeks gestation

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Accept your child for whom they are. Don’t label them with problems just because of their gestational age. Tim at 36 weeks, caused us more dramas than his sister who was born at 32 weeks. Whatever gestation your baby is born at focus on what they achieve, not what they cannot achieve!

Mum to Tim born at 36+3 weeks gestation

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Everyone who has had a premmie knows how tough they are, they are just born survivors, but on the other and they are still fragile. To find a balance of knowing how much to push them and shelter them is difficult. With all the developmental issues that comes with prematurity, my advice would be to get out there and be as involved as you can in ‘early intervention programs’, it makes a huge difference. Lots of appointments and alot of extra work was all worth it to see Will in school now thriving.

Mum to Will born at 26+4 weeks gestation

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This is the hardest time of your life, once you get through this you can get through anything. Stay strong, do lots kangaroo care as much as possible as it does help you and your baby. Take lots of photos because as it may not seem like it now but the memories do fade as new beautiful memories take over. Take some time to relax and remember you didnt do anything wrong, this was not your fault.

Mum to Azaan born at 26+5 weeks gestation

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Being our second prem, we had a little insight into what we were in for, but every baby is different. We went into this with the same positive determination we held with our first. Having a toddler being separated from Mummy most of the time was very hard, we tried to include her in everything, make sure she was a part of the whole journey whenever possible. Goodbyes were always the hardest thing, leaving our little tiny babe behind every night, but we always tried to say goodbye with a smile. The little ones are less likely to be very upset if you have a smile, they know that all must be ok, I know you love me, you aren’t really sad so I will try not to be. We still apply that to everyday.

Mum to Zach born at 34 weeks gestation

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Make sure you continue to be pushy for answers, I found doctors left a lot out of you didn’t ask the questions.

Mum to Saxon born at 34 weeks gestation

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Talk to other parents in the NICU, everyone is going through the highs and lows of having a premature baby and the support of someone who knows the hurdles and struggles of the hospital journey is comforting. They may become a life long friend.

Mum to Nixon born at 33+3 weeks gestation

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I know it’s tough but try enjoy every day. Don’t let anyone pressure you about breastfeeding…. At the end of the day bub doesn’t care weather it’s breast or bottle milk so long as he/she is loved by you. Write a short diary entry so those tough days at home later you can read how much you went through and how your bub is lucky to be here.

Mum to Xavier born at 28 weeks gestation

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A good friend who had also experienced a premature baby told me to keep thinking about the first birthday! The colour of the balloons..the food all of it! And remember, this is just a stage! A few months from now it will all be a distant memory!

Mum to Indie born at 28+5 weeks gestation

The information & advice from parents above is not intended to replace professional advice in anyway. We hope that it will give you comfort, advice & inspiration from other parents who have been in the NICU/SCN with their premature babies to help you along with your journey.

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Their gestation born: Our son Reilly and our little girl Tameka

How many premmie babies do you have?
Reilly was born at 30 + 6 weeks
Tameka at 32 + 3 weeks gestation

How long were they hospitalised for?
Reilly was in hospital for 6 weeks, 4 1/2 NICU and 1 1/2 SCN
Tameka was in SCN for about 3 weeks

Is there any prematurity in your families history? No neither family

How did you cope with the world of prematurity when your child/children were born? With Reilly it was very scary, all the unknown. The travelling to the hospital everyday and leaving him there was very difficult especially since he was 1 1/2 hrs drive away from home. With Tameka it was a little easier as she was emergency caesar so I was in the hospital for about a week after she was born. But having to be separated from Reilly and going to the hospital leaving him with Nanna after i came home was hard as we couldn’t take him in every day. Also having been through it before seemed easier at first but emotionally it was still hard to leave her every day. At least she was only 1/2 hr away for the first week then moved to local hospital.

How did you feel when you first saw your child/children after they were born? Reilly was whisked away from me I saw him for a second then next time I saw him he had drip lines in his arms tubes all over his face, a feeding tube, he looked like a cross between Santa with the hat on and a scuba diver with all the breathing apparatus. I was glad to see him but sad as well. My husband went with him from birth to the NICU so he saw everything going on while I recovered. With Tameka I didn’t see her fo a while as she was emergency caesar due to prolapse cord. I was still a bit out of it but she was in the isolette bed under the UV lamps and had hardly any tubes at all. It was alot easier to see her and it was also a relief.

Did you find it hard deciding to have another baby or have you decided no more? After Reilly i was sure I wanted another. But after having a second prem and she was a very difficult and emergency birth, we decided that was enough. We have our pigeon pair. I do think that if things were different and I was younger we might have another but not now. It was a very week by week…day by day pregnancy the second time around just waiting to get to an extra weeks gestation

Have there been any lasting complications due to your child/children’s prematurity? If so how have you dealt with it? Not that we have noticed so far

How do you feel now about prematurity and how do you help others be aware of how serious it is for babies? We were very niave about the world of premmaturity even though a friend had been through it a few years before us. We knew her babies were born early and little but that was it. Now it’s astounding to us that there are sooo many premmie babies out there. I feel for anyone going through it. I cry when I read an article in a magazine sometimes. The conversations with other premmie parents can be very intense and it’s not until you have experienced it can you even begin to imagine. Taking family members and close friends in to see our babies they were so in awe of what they saw. We like to let others know about support groups or offer any advise if we can help. It is a very hard world when your baby is fighting like that. You can feel so alone. We just need to let them know that they are not alone.

Reilly

Tameka

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Their gestation born: 30 weeks + 5 days

How many premmie babies do you have? Two – Twin boys Marques & Andre

How long were they hospitalised for? 6 weeks

Is there any prematurity in your families history? Yes my sister in law had my niece at 32 weeks and my nephew at 30 weeks

How did you cope with the world of prematurity when your child/children were born? It was an absolute emotional roller coaster, although I had been exposed to the premmie world before through my brother and sister in law’s kids. It’s extremely different and difficult experiencing it yourself first hand. Some days I was so happy about the boys progress and other days I would be beside myself in tears that we were once again going home without them. We thankfully had alot of support around us, but it wasn’t an easy journey.

How did you feel when you first saw your child/children after they were born? I felt overjoyed and blessed to be holding them in my arms, after everything we had been through. It was an amazing feeling as these are my first kids. I couldn’t believe how small they were, not to mention the amount of strength these little people had to survive, it’s unreal.

Did you find it hard deciding to have another baby or have you decided no more? Despite our experience; we would definitely like to have more children later on when the boys grow up

Have there been any lasting complications due to your child/children’s prematurity? if so how have you dealt with it? The only health issue we really encounter is reflux, we have them on medication, give them reflux formula and they have regular checks with the paediatrician.

How do you feel now about prematurity and how do you help others be aware of how serious it is for babies? I can’t believe how much these little angels go through. It is absolutely amazing how these small babies have so much strength, determination and fight to live. I am part of premmie forums and websites, and love to share my story for others to read in a hope I can help people to learn more and also to raise more awareness about prematurity through my experience.

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Born at 24 weeks weighing 690 grams

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I left the ER on strict bed rest and after 2 weeks returned to work. At 14 weeks I had another large bleed at work and again attended the ER where I was examined and everything was fine. I was discharged on bed rest and spent another 2 weeks at home. At 18 weeks I awoke in excruciating pain, I was unable to breathe let alone move, my husband called an ambulance; I didn’t even blink when the cannula was inserted in my hand and arm, and I was taken to hospital and examined by numerous specialists – surgical, obstetrics, gyno and gastro. After a number of tests they concluded it was due to the placental attachment and the placenta had torn a little causing further bleeding, by day 4 the pain was easing but unfortunately I had contracted a gastro tummy bug and was kept for a further 10 days, I was discharged at home on bed rest again for a further 2 weeks.

I returned to work and at 24/25 weeks on Monday I noticed I was wet as if I was leaking pee, I tried to ignore this for a couple of days as I was sick of the hospital and had my normal doctor’s appointment on Thursday. My doctor’s appointment came, and I was once again admitted as they thought my waters were leaking, after two nights I was discharged and put back on bed rest. I returned home on Sunday but decided to go to work on Monday; I was in denial and sick and tired of all the comments regarding my health and pregnancy. I felt like such a burden on everyone. I continued to feel wet/damp for a number of weeks but felt fine other than a tender stomach thought to be uterus stretching, I mentioned this a few times at the doctors clinic and was kept regularly monitored.

On Monday 13th December I was 29 weeks +1day, I was so busy at work as I had commenced team leading, I barely had a chance to have a break all day, I remember feeling very damp and thought I may have peed myself as I hadn’t had a chance to go to the toilet all day. At 4:30pm I was feeling quite unwell and decided I better finally go to the bathroom as soon as I did I noticed my pants were soaked and within seconds had a large gush of water come down onto my legs, I was in tears as I knew this was it, I called my husband and attended the birthing and delivery suite, on admission I was checked by doctors where I was contracting every 3 minutes, although other than small back pain I was not really feeling anything. I was given an injection of steroids and informed another dose would be administered in 24 hours; I was also give Nifedipine to help stop the contractions, which for the first 2 days helped reduce the intensity but after that they returned to their best every 3 minutes.

The doctors monitored me closely but I was not dilating and decided if the baby was happy they would let me go as long as possible, I was a mess, I cried and became angry. How could they leave me like this I was in pain, but they were looking out for the baby as every day counted. I begged to go home but they refused understandably so. I refused pain medication as I am allergic too most and knew any side effects for myself would place me in a worse outcome; they opted to give me regular sleeping tablets.

By day 7 the 20th of December 2010, I was exhausted although the pain was a normal activity by now. On the morning round, the doctors looked at me and decided it was time to take the baby out, I was 30 +1 weeks, I had a fever and could barely move the baby’s heart rate was now in the low 200′s and they thought I was developing chorioamnionitis. I was rushed to the operating suite, where the team was waiting for me, the anaesthetist was waiting and decided it was better I receive an epidural, after 3 attempts my heart rate dropped and remember feeling so dizzy, I was then placed on my back, people were screaming “who’s checking the baby’s heart rate” “give her a general” as they were getting the general ready the doctor informed me they could not find the baby’s heart rate and needed to act now, the head anaesthetist said the epidural would work in minutes just to wait, the team getting the general ready had dropped the tray on the floor, and next thing I knew two nurses were holding my legs still as the doctor started cutting, within mm’s the epi took full effect, my husband was brought in and the journey began. My son was born screaming at 4:00pm weighing 1445 grams, & measuring 37.5cms; he soon developed RDS and was placed on CPAP pressure only. He was cannulised and received all nutrition via lines at this point.

By day 2 my lovely boy Jermaine was doing so well, he was given his first tube feed and thrived, by day 3 he was off cpap and managing quite well in room air. He developed jaundice twice requiring photo therapy treatment of 24 hours on each occasion. By 35 weeks we were told if we roomed in a night and he fed well all night we could take him home. It was the 25th January 2011 my son was discharged and has not looked back since he is now 16 weeks old or 6 weeks corrected, he suffers mild reflux and anaemia due to prematurity. We are looking forward to a very happy & healthy future!

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Parent(s) first name(s): Samantha
Premmie baby’s name(s): Chase Zachariah & Riley Paul
Premmie baby’s gestation(s): 31 weeks 6 days
Hospital where born: Kemh
Length of stay: 3 weeks
Premmie baby’s birth year(s) 17/3/2011
Name(s) of loved one(s): Carol
Relationship to family: Mother
Thing you remember most about their support: Every waking moment you were there
throught the ups and down and all the happy times. =D

Parents special message of thanks:

Every waking minute,
My mum was their for me,
Every tear she wiped away,
Every hug that made me stonger,
Every convincing word she spoke telling me i could do it,
Always made me thrive,
And when she told me she was proud of me that meant the most,
Without having a partner i felt a bit lost but with her support i knew a partner could never compare and my mum will always love me uncontionally x

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Parent(s) first name(s): Kelli , Kojak
Premmie baby’s name(s): Jesse Levi
Premmie baby’s gestation(s): 36 weeks
Hospital where born: Tamworth
Length of stay: 3 weeks
Premmie baby’s birth year(s) 19/06/2011
Name(s) of loved one(s): All the staff at tamworth & Westmead PICU & NETS transport
Relationship to child/ren: -
Thing you remember most about their support: The kindness and hope they provided

Parents special message of thanks: Jesse was a very sick baby. He had pneumonia, bronchiolitis and a partially collpased lung and a few times we thought he was close to going to heaven.

Because of the care he recieved on the ground and in the air he is now happy and healthy and we cant thank you all enough. xxx

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Parent(s) first name(s): Mohammad and Nusrat
Premmie baby’s name(s): Ridwan
Premmie baby’s gestation(s): 29wks and 6 days
Hospital where born: Royal North Shore Hospital
Length of stay: 8 weeks
Premmie baby’s birth year(s) 2011
Name(s) of loved one(s): -
Relationship to child/ren: -
Thing you remember most about the support: I loved the staff and their support. In particular, the Neonatologist was very understanding, who pressed my local hospital (Liverpool) to give our son top priority in getting a transfer since RNSH was almot 1.5 hours away from home. At Liverpool, the staff were great, in particular some of the nurses were so understanding that they allowed for our baby to change into a huge suit for our EID celebrations, at the end of Ramadan. That was sensational, we have to say.

Parents special message of thanks: Special thanks goes to Dr John Levison of Liverpool Hospital who was very understanding and caring of our son. When our son deteriorated a little during his hospital stay, he explained very clearly why and how he would be helped along the way.

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