My baby is in a NICU or SCBU
The Little Miracles Trust is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national neonatal charity. We’re here to help
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.
Being in a neonatal unit can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Whether you're looking for information, practical support, or simply some reassurance, these resources are here to help you feel more confident, more prepared, and less alone during this time.
Need Support?
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.
Family
Assistance Fund
The Little Miracles Trust administers donations to assist whānau facing hardship, working in partnership with neonatal intensive care and special care baby units to make informed decisions.
Please follow the link to complete the online form yourself, or with support from a Social Worker or Little Miracles Trust Family Support Coordinator.