
Our Work
We’re Aotearoa New Zealand’s national neonatal charity
Premature birth can happen unexpectedly.
While some families may have prior warning due to medical conditions or known complications, many parents are thrust into neonatal care without notice. In some cases, complications are discovered after birth, even in full-term babies.
Every year in Aotearoa New Zealand, around 4,800 babies are born prematurely, and more than 1,000 full-term babies also require specialist neonatal care. That’s about one in ten Kiwi babies spending time in a NICU or SCBU.
The Little Miracles Trust is here to support whānau on this journey – one that can be full of uncertainty, fear, and emotional strain. We do this in many ways, all designed to make a difficult start to life a little easier.
The Support We Provide

We are committed to “
Making a difficult start to life that little bit easier
“
Premature birth can happen without warning. While some parents may have known of a medical condition or history that increased the risk, many go into labour early with no signs beforehand. In the case of full-term babies, some parents may be aware their baby will need NICU care, while for others, complications only become clear after birth.
No matter the circumstances, parents are suddenly thrust into a frightening world – where their tiny, much-loved baby is surrounded by machines, alarms, wires, and medical staff. It’s an overwhelming experience, and many parents feel helpless. What is usually a time of celebration becomes a traumatic, stressful journey – one that might last days, weeks, or even months, depending on their baby’s condition.
Thanks to the highly-talented and dedicated neonatal doctors and nurses, the youngest babies to survive premature birth in New Zealand have been born at 23 weeks gestation.
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