VIC Premature Baby Playgroups

At first L’il Aussie Prems was a wealth of information to me about Premature birth. I wasn’t sure about joining the forum at first, being the only male at the time, but everyone was fantastic. Once I was on the forum I found a new home. It is somewhere where I could share my feelings without being insecure. There were times where I did it really tough with Kai and LAP enabled me to reflect, share and move through his journey. On LAP I feel like I can be myself.

Thank you for being so welcoming and accepting of a Dad and thank you for making the winding road of premature birth far easier to climb.

Sean dad to Kai (born at 32 weeks) – VIC

L’il Aussie Prems is my “mothers group”. When I came home with the boys I was alone , isolated and scared. I stumbled across LAP. I have found that the mums all helped me feel welcome & normal. I was no longer isolated as a new mum. It is also the one place where milestones mean so much, even the small milestones. I can get excited about little things and not feel silly sharing them with you guys.

Jules, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating a forum that reaches out & connects so many. I am proud to be a LAP member.

Jenny & twins Thomas & Alexander (born at 24 weeks) – VIC

In the beginning it was a safe haven for me where I wasn’t alone… I was one of many. It was good for me socially as we were not long home from hospital and I couldn’t get out much being winter and being so afraid of Charlie getting sick. On L’il Aussie Prems Charlie isn’t different..he’s the norm.. L’il Aussie Prems is great…we can share craft, we send care parcels, we trade clothes…meet new friends…cry and laugh together…it’s done so much for me.

Mandii, Charlie (born at 27 weeks) & Elizabeth (born full term), QLD

I too was not sure about joining the forum but did so on the advice from my GP to help with my PND. Here I found a place that was secure and supportive especially in the first year of Josh’s life where much of it was spent at home for fear of sickness and readmission to hospital. I was determined once home we were not going back even though it meant living in isolation. This forum has allowed me to discuss my thoughts no matter how stupid they have felt at the time and have been met with responses of understanding, support and true kindness.

Kate, Joshua (born at 30 weeks)

Having a premmie baby can be a really lonely and scary experience. LAP helped me through the most difficult journey in my life to date. I used to be SO sensitive about our daughter’s size and gestation and the stares and comments from members of the public. One year down the track and I am proud and confident in telling people who ask about our daughter, that she is an ex 27 weeker, 605 gram baby who is happy and healthy. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the wonderful support of the LAP members. Thank you Jules for creating this amazing site.

Elle, Tony and Arielle (born at 27 weeks) – QLD

Since joining LAP I have learnt so much more about toddler prems and I’ve been able to ask questions. There’s always someone out there that has a clearer or better perspective, or has been there and done that.

LAP is a family. LAP is a community. LAP is a support group. LAP is a pool of real world information. LAP has been a life line for me.

THANK YOU JULES
THANK YOU LAP
THANK YOU EVERYONE

Rhonda & Rachel (born at 24 weeks) – QLD