Hospital's special care unit celebrates World Prematurity Day

SCBU registered nurse Sandra Winton and new mum Tania, of Napier, and her son Matthew (now one week old) who was born at 37 weeks weighting 4lb 2oz, were among others who celebrated World Prematurity Day. Photo / Paul Taylor

About 320 to 350 babies go through Hawke's Bay Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) each year, among them premature babies, about 5000 of whom are born in New Zealand every year.

Worldwide, one in 10 babies are said to be born premature, classified as arriving before 37 weeks gestation (a normal pregnancy classed as 40 weeks).

To acknowledge the challenges these babies and their families can go through staff, and the eight parents and babies and families in the Hastings SCBU, joined the Neonatal Trust in celebrating World Prematurity Day yesterday.

Launched in 2011, the day had since been recognised in more than 50 countries, and local staff including registered nurse Sandra Winton, and new parent Paula, with son Matthew, enjoyed a morning tea to mark the occasion.

Having a premature baby requiring neonatal care could be a stressful time, said Ms Winton.

"If you already have babies at home, and you are coming here to be with the baby as much as possible, as well as manage what's happening at home - it can be very stressful."

At Hastings SCBU, the funding allowed for it to take babies from 28 weeks premature, and weighing 100g and over. If they were younger or lighter, (some babies could be born as early as 24 weeks) they were transferred to Wellington Hospital, until they reached the stage to return.

Such travel and upheaval, which also affected mothers who had to travel to Hastings from as far south as Takapau and north to Wairoa, could also add to the pressure.

She said there were many reasons why a baby may be born prematurely, from the mother's health and physical make-up to that of the baby.

Across the country yesterday, volunteers co-ordinated by the Neonatal Trust helped with the morning teas.

Trust executive director Neil O'Styke said it was all in support of the "fantastic and dedicated staff in every Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and SCBU, as well as the families in the units on this day".

"Each year,more than 5000 premature babies and their families make the journey through neonatal intensive care in this country. World Prematurity Day is a chance to celebrate our premature babies and raise awareness of the challenges they and their families face."

The Neonatal Trust provides support for families with babies in a neonatal unit. This includes helping in practical ways by providing information, supporting research, purchasing or contributing to the cost of equipment and also providing emotional and other support.