My baby may need specialist care
Anticipating a preterm birth? You’re in the right place.
You’re not alone – there’s
a community
here for you
Finding out your baby may be born early or might need specialist care can be overwhelming. This section is here to support you with honest, heartfelt content from people who understand what you’re going through. Settle in and listen to our podcast series, where parents, healthcare professionals, and specialists share their experiences and advice. You’ll also find written stories from other families—full of hope, comfort, and connection.
Don’t miss our What to Expect guide to help you navigate the days ahead, and be sure to explore the Carosika Collaborative—a multi-disciplinary team who have prepared an excellent online resource to support whānau who might be at risk of having a preterm pēpi.
Wherever you are on this journey, you’re not alone – we’re here with you.
What to expect when your baby is born prematurely or critically ill
Going through a neonatal journey can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and completely unprepared – especially if your baby’s arrival was far from the peaceful birth you imagined or read about during pregnancy.
To help you through this time, The Little Miracles Trust has put together the “What to Expect” booklet. It’s filled with honest advice, comforting words, and practical tips for whānau of babies born too soon – or critically ill.
Inside, you’ll find guidance on what to expect when you first arrive in the neonatal unit; how you can stay connected and care for your baby while they’re there; and what the journey home might look like when that day finally comes.
Information resources to
help you start a conversation
The Carosika Collaborative offers up-to-date, high-quality information for families who may be at risk of having a preterm baby. Bringing together expert knowledge from doctors, researchers, and cultural advisors to help you understand what to expect, your rights in the NICU, and how care decisions are made — all with a strong focus on family involvement and cultural respect.
Whether you’re looking for clear explanations, guidance around complex choices, or support tailored for Māori whānau, the website is an excellent place to start.
One in Ten Podcast
Find us on SpotifyEach year, one in ten babies in Aotearoa New Zealand begins life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). One in Ten is a podcast that gives you a glimpse into this world – bringing to light the experiences of the whānau we support, the dedicated neonatal teams who provide expert care, and the generous donors and volunteers who help make a difference.
In these episodes, we explore the challenges, emotions, and triumphs of having a premature or critically unwell newborn. You’ll hear heartfelt stories and invaluable insights from parents, healthcare professionals, and specialists, offering guidance, reassurance, and hope to families navigating similar journeys.
Available to stream now on Spotify, Amazon, Google and IHeartRadio!
And if you’d like to be a guest on our ‘pod’ do email us info@lmt.org.nz
