My baby is getting ready to go home
The Little Miracles Trust is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national neonatal charity. We’re here to help
Taking your baby home after a stay in the neonatal unit is a huge milestone
It’s completely normal to feel excited, nervous, and even a little overwhelmed. You’ve been through so much, and now it’s time to begin a new chapter.
This section is here to help you prepare for the transition from hospital to home, with practical tips and reassurance and be sure to check out pages 38-40 of the What to Expect booklet for more helpful guidance.
Playgroups
One of our most regular and popular support events is hosting playgroups for parents and caregivers for ex NICU and SCBU babies for all different ages and stages of development.
These FREE playgroups give whānau the opportunity to meet with a professional Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who has experience working with NICU and SCBU babies. Additionally, you’re able to get to know other NICU/SCBU whānau and build lasting connections once you’ve left the unit.
There’s no need to worry about being on time or staying for the whole time. Feel free to come and go as works for you and your baby and you’re welcome to attend whether you believe your baby needs input from a therapist or not.
For any last minute changes to our playgroups please check our Facebook page or contact us on info@littlemiraclestrust.org.nz
Auckland
Held fortnightly on WEDNESDAY, including school holidays.
Our amazing Occupational Therapist, Janet, and playgroup facilitator Kelley, would love to see any ex-NICU/SCBU families and babies!
Venue:
Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre
773 New North Road
Mt Albert
Auckland
From 10am – 11.30am
Waikato
Held FORNIGHTLY on THURSDAYS during term time and run in conjunction with McKenzie Centre. A physiotherapist will be in attendance once a month.
Venue:
McKenzie Centre
30 Hammond Street
Hamilton
From 10am – 11.30am
Dates for Term 2 2025 are as follows:
Wellington
Held on the FIRST and THIRD THURSDAY of the month from 9.30am-11am including school holidays. This group is run with the assistance of physiotherapist Kat Wyeth and ex NICU grandma Vicky.
Venue:
Johnsonville Community Center
3 Frankmore Avenue
Johnsonville
From 9.30am – 11am
Christchurch
Held on WEEKLY on TUESDAYS during term time. Term 2 for 2025 starts Tuesday 29th April, and ends on Tuesday 24th June. This group is run with the assistance of Occupational Therapist Julie Frew who will be in attendance fortnightly.
Venue
Te Ara Sophia Centre
275 Fifield Terrace
Opawa
Christchurch
From 9.30am – 11am
Dunedin
Held on the FIRST and THIRD THURSDAY of the month from Feb – early Dec, including school holidays. The first for 2025 being Thursday 20th February.
This group is run in conjunction with the School of Physiotherapy and registered physiotherapist Donna Smith.
NEW Venue:
Plunket Hub
101 King Edward Street
South Dunedin
9.30am – 11am
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.
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
Breastpump for Hire
The Little Miracles Trust offers a weekly or monthly breast pump hire scheme from our Auckland and Wellington offices.
The Medela Symphony Double Electric breastpump can be used as either a double or single pump and is ideal for short-term pumping, pumping away from home, or to help you build up your milk supply.
