We're adjusting to life at home
The Little Miracles Trust is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national neonatal charity. We’re here to help
Adjusting to life at home after your baby’s time in a neonatal unit can bring a mix of emotions
Relief, joy, and sometimes uncertainty. It’s a big transition for you and your baby, and it’s okay to need support as you settle into your new routine.
This section offers helpful advice and resources to guide you through this important time. For more detailed information, be sure to read pages 38 onwards in the What to Expect booklet
Playgroups
We understand that caring for a baby who has spent time in a NICU or SCBU can bring unique challenges and that support beyond the hospital is just as important. That’s why one of our most regular and popular support events is hosting free developmental playgroups designed especially for parents and caregivers of ex-NICU and SCBU babies at all different ages and stages of development.
These playgroups provide a relaxed, welcoming space where you can connect with other whānau who have shared similar journeys. You’ll also have the chance to meet with a professional Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist experienced in supporting NICU and SCBU babies – whether your little one needs therapy input or not.
There’s no pressure to stay the whole time or arrive right on schedule, come and go as it suits you and your baby.
For any last-minute updates or changes, please check our Facebook page or get in touch with us at 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
Helpful links
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