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The Little Miracles Trust is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national neonatal charity. We’re here to help
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Blaire’s Journey – Our Month in NICU
At 37 weeks pregnant, I was suddenly told I needed to deliver early because Blaire’s movements had slowed and she wasn’t happy. I was excited that I’d finally meet her, but underneath was a deep fear: why wasn’t she moving, was she okay? During the birth I remember extra nurses rushing in. I waited nervously on…
Kiwa Louise Jane – A Life Full of Love
As told by mum Jess. Kiwa Louise Jane was born on the 10th of March at 24+5 in Middlemore hospital after a spontaneous preterm labour (we still don't know why she arrived early, but she was just so eager to meet us all). She weighed a tiny 670grams and was the cutest little baby I'd…
Twice Through NICU – Our Unexpected Journeys
As told by mum, Billie Our second child was born at 38 weeks in Christchurch. He came in a hurry with an unplanned home birth so was delivered by his dad! He was initially breathing fast but otherwise fine however over the next 12 hours he deteriorated. He was taken to NICU and we were…
Maitland’s Story
As told by mum Nacita. In September 2017, my son Maitland was born at just 26 weeks and 3 days gestation. He weighed 1,165 grams and measured 34.5 cm long. My waters had broken a month earlier, at only 21 weeks. Nine days before his birth, we were transferred from our home in Christchurch to…
Jimmy’s Story
As told by his māmā, Megan At 28 weeks I went into labour spontaneously at home. Initially, I thought I just had a bit of the flu - achy all over. Then I noticed some unusual fluid loss and painful Braxton Hicks contractions. Except… it wasn’t Braxton Hicks - it was Jimmy! We tried our…
My Birth Story – Magnus
My name is Katherine Halkett. I was born in Venezuela and married my husband, a Kiwi from Timaru. After almost five years of infertility, in 2022 we received the call from Fertility Associates that we had reached the top of the IVF list. We were overjoyed, and even more so when our very first transfer…
Robert & Olivia’s Story
As told by Dad, Robert. Olivia and I found out she was pregnant with our first child in May 2023. During the pregnancy we learned that she had a septate uterus and was predisposed to pre-eclampsia, so we expected there might be a premature birth. Later, further complications were identified: our baby was measuring smaller…
My NICU Story – Norena & Zayn
Kia ora, My name is Norena Tigafua, and I'm a proud mum to two beautiful boys my toddler Lucas, and my little fighter, Zayn. I'm writing to share a piece of our journey one I hope offers comfort, strength, or simply connection to another whanau navigating the NICU world. In mid-2024, our family travelled from…
Our Adeline
As told by mum, Jess, Leading up to Addy’s birth I was much sicker than previous pregnancies. I was in and out of hospital for the first 20 weeks. As my pregnancy progressed I was able to manage my sickness and it eased a bit. When labour began my husband and I dropped our older…
The life of Rome Te Awanuiarangi Morgan
As told by mum, K’Larose After a spontaneous premature birth with my first born (who also spent 8 weeks in Wellington Hospital NICU) at 30 weeks. Then going on to lose 2 more babies after my first, due to issues with PPROM (Pre-term premature rupture of membranes). I then became pregnant with my last baby…
Postnatal Depression
Most mothers have days when they feel really down. This is perfectly normal. Looking after a baby, being constantly on call and coping with the daily demands of life is not easy. However, mothers who feel miserable most of the time may be suffering from postnatal depression, a debilitating illness that can spoil the experience…
Famous Prems
Photo by ©Christiaan Kotze/SASPA Prematurity isn’t a new thing and in fact some famous names and high achievers had a premature start to life. Some were born centuries ago and battled incredible odds to survive in the first place given the conditions and views at the time. Follow these links to read about some famous…